He then produced the act that would come to define his era of cricket as he hit the winning 6 against Sri Lanka in the final at Wankhede Stadium to end India’s 28-year long wait to win their second global title in 50-over cricket. Crucial players performed to their best and Dhoni led a hungry bunch with great astuteness. Soon the ICC World Cup arrived and India were among the favourites.

A golden period of dominance at home ensured Dhoni led India to the number 1 ranking in the longest format for the first time.ĪLSO READ: MS Dhoni retires - 4 world records the former India captain still holds His quicksilver thinking as captain in limited overs cricket caught everyone’s eye and Dhoni was handed over Test captaincy after Anil Kumble called time on his career. But the moment of truth arrived in 2007 as Dhoni led a bunch of youngsters to the maiden WT20 title in South Africa, after a nail-biting final against Pakistan. He was part of the team that played India’s first ever T20 international against South Africa in December 2006.ĪLSO READ: THANK YOU MAHI! - Highlights of a glittering careerĭhoni’s first big impact on international cricket was in an ODI against arch rivals Pakistan, as he made mincemeat of the neighbours’ bowling attack and bludgeoned his way to 148 at Vizag, after getting promoted to No 3 in the batting line-up. The announcement came in trademark Dhoni style as he informed his fans about his decision on social media.ĪLSO READ: MS Dhoni announces retirement from international cricketĭhoni made his international debut in an ODI against Bangladesh in December 2004 and played his maiden Test match almost a year later against Sri Lanka in Chennai. Dhoni, who had retired from Test cricket at the end of 2014, last played for India in an international match in the semi-final loss to New Zealand in the 2019 ICC World Cup. Mahendra Singh Dhoni, former Indian cricket captain who led Team India to victories in the ICC WT20 (2007), ICC World Cup (2011) and ICC Champions Trophy (2013), has announced his retirement from international cricket.

Dhoni international cricket career