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MS Dhoni 44th Birthday: MS Dhoni, the former Indian cricket team captain, has turned 44 today. Dhoni, who is also known as Captain Cool, is popular across the globe not only for his incredible achievements on the field but also due to his off-the-field personality, as the veteran likes to remain away from the headlines.

Fondly known as Mahi, Dhoni grew up through the lanes of Ranchi and reached the grandest cricketing stages in the world. His journey has been nothing short of legendary. A calm tactician, a fearless finisher, and a leader par excellence, Dhoni has left an indelible mark on Indian cricket.

Dhoni made his international debut in December 2004 against Bangladesh, but it was his blistering 148 against Pakistan in 2005 that announced his arrival. His fearless approach and power-hitting redefined the role of a wicketkeeper-batsman. Over the years, he became a vital part of India’s core, known for finishing matches with an icy cool temperament.

As captain, Dhoni achieved what no other Indian skipper had done before — winning all three major ICC trophies: ICC T20 World Cup 2007, ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 and ICC Champions Trophy 2013

Dhoni went on to lead India in 332 international matches, the most by any player in cricket history. Under his leadership, India became the No. 1 Test team in 2009 and remained a dominant force across formats for years.

Dhoni's batting stats are equally impressive, having scored 10,773 ODI runs in 350 matches at an average of 50.57, including 10 centuries and 73 fifties. In Tests, he scored 4,876 runs in 90 matches with 6 centuries. The veteran batter ended his career with 1,617 T20I runs to his name in 98 matches. Out of all the magnificent achievements, Dhoni also holds the record for most not-outs (84) in ODIs, and is widely regarded as the greatest finisher the game has seen.

Behind the stumps, he was lightning-quick. With 829 international dismissals, he remains among the top wicketkeepers of all time.


Dhoni's legendary IPL career

Even after retiring from international cricket in 2020, Dhoni continues to inspire, leading Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to their 5th IPL title in 2023, proving age is just a number.

His IPL career has been legendary ever since joining the CSK way back in the tournament's inaugural edition in 2008. Dhoni has played 278 matches in his IPL career, including a two-year stint with Rising Pune Super Giants in the 2016 and 2017 editions.

He has scored 5,439 runs at an average of 38.30 and a strike rate of 137.45. Dhoni’s IPL record includes 25 half-centuries with a best of 84 not out. As a wicketkeeper, Dhoni has executed 158 catches and 47 stumpings.

On the batting front, Dhoni holds the record for most runs as a wicketkeeper (5,439) and most sixes for CSK (235). The 44-year-old also has the highest number of dismissals under his belt as a wicketkeeper in the IPL with 158 catches and 47 stumpings.

MS Dhoni has been a consistent IPL performer since 2008. He started strong with 414 runs in the inaugural season and peaked in 2013 with 461 runs at a strike rate of 162.89. His most incredible season was 2024, scoring 161 runs at a strike rate of 220.55. Dhoni's best average came in 2019 with 83.20. While 2020 and 2021 saw a dip in form, he bounced back with impactful cameos in later seasons. Known for his finishing skills, Dhoni adapted his role over the years, often anchoring or accelerating based on the team’s needs.