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MS Dhoni's cricket journey comes to an End

Legend of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and member of the Indian cricket team MS Dhoni has had an incredible career as a captain and player. With his exceptional leadership skills, he has guided both India and CSK to a multitude of titles and accolades.

 

Ever since Dhoni bid farewell to international cricket in 2020, he has exclusively been seen in action during the IPL. Prior to the 2024 season, Dhoni made the decision to pass on the CSK captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad, suggesting that he may also be considering retirement from the IPL.

 

The 42-year-old has been receiving an overwhelming reception from crowds in every stadium he has entered this season, particularly when he steps out to bat. Saturday's match could potentially mark the end of a remarkable 20-year career for him, as the team that falls short will be eliminated from playoff contention.

 

MS Dhoni's achievement in international cricket?

 

MS Dhoni entered the international cricket scene in 2004, showcasing his skills as a wicket-keeper batsman for the Indian team. In his debut match against Bangladesh, Dhoni faced an unfortunate run-out on his very first delivery in international cricket.

 

With a challenging beginning to his career, Dhoni steadily rose to prominence as a crucial asset to the team. In 2007, he was given the opportunity to lead the Indian cricket team in the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup in South Africa.

 

India emerged as the champions of the T20 World Cup, triumphing over formidable opponents such as England, Australia, and ultimately arch-rivals Pakistan in the tournament's final. Dhoni's exceptional composure and astute decision-making skills throughout the tournament garnered praise from fans and experts alike.

 

After his triumph in the T20 World Cup, Dhoni was given the captaincy for all three formats in 2008, and he has never faltered since then. Dhoni's leadership was instrumental in India's triumph at the 2011 ODI World Cup, ending a 28-year drought. He also guided India to the top spot in Test cricket and secured victory in the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013.

 

In a remarkable feat, Dhoni has achieved what no other captain in history has accomplished - winning the ICC T20 World Cup, ODI World Cup, and the Champions Trophy. This unprecedented achievement solidifies his status as one of the greatest captains in the sport. He eventually passed on the captaincy to Virat Kohli in 2017 and was a member of the team that competed in the 2019 World Cup. In a surprising twist, Dhoni's last game was against New Zealand in the 2019 World Cup, resulting in a run out as India faced a disappointing exit. The experienced custodian concluded his time representing his country in the same manner as he began.

 

In Test matches, the player has played 90 matches, scored 4876 runs with an average of 38.09. The player has a strike rate of 59.12, has scored 33 half-centuries, 6 centuries, and has a highest score of 224.

 

In One Day Internationals (ODIs), the player has played 350 matches, scored 10773 runs with an average of 50.58. The player has a strike rate of 87.56, has scored 10 half-centuries, 73 centuries, and has a highest score of 183.

 

In Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), the player has played 98 matches, scored 1617 runs with an average of 37.60. The player has a strike rate of 126.13, has scored 2 half-centuries, 0 centuries, and has a highest score of 52.

 

Let's take a look at MS Dhoni's performance in the IPL.

 

In 2008, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise made a smart move by acquiring MS Dhoni in the first ever IPL auction. It came as no surprise when he was chosen as the team's captain, and under his leadership, the men in yellow made it to the final in their inaugural season. They were defeated in the final by the Rajasthan Royals (RR), who went on to become the first-ever IPL champions.

In 2010, CSK emerged victorious in their first-ever title under the leadership of Dhoni, defeating the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the final. They went on to repeat this impressive feat in 2011, this time defeating RCB in the final. Later on, after CSK faced a ban from the IPL for two years, Dhoni took up the opportunity to play for the Rising Pune Supergiants (RPS) and skillfully guided them to the final.

 

In 2018, CSK made a comeback and under Dhoni's leadership, they achieved glory that year. They went on to repeat this success twice more in 2021 and most recently in 2023. He has achieved an impressive feat by winning five IPL titles, making him one of the most successful captains in the tournament's history.

 

Dhoni's performance in the IPL has been nothing short of remarkable.

 

Looking at the statistics, we can see that the player has played 264 matches and scored a total of 5243 runs. Their average stands at 39.23, which is quite impressive. The strike rate of 137.35 indicates that they have been able to score runs at a good pace. Although they have not scored any centuries, they have managed to hit 24 half-centuries. Their highest score so far is 84*. Overall, these numbers paint a picture of a consistent and reliable player.

 

On Saturday night, Dhoni may be bidding farewell to an illustrious career, while the entire nation rejoices in his awe-inspiring accomplishments in the realm of cricket. An unexpected turn of events that has left many fans in shock.