Mahendra Singh Dhoni is one unavoidable name in the Indian cricket. The most successful captain of India, MS Dhoni has won so many matches for India both as captain and as a player. From 2007 to 2016 he marched Indian blue brigade to several stunning victories across all formats of the game. Here are the lists of top 5 moments which defines the greatness of Mahendra Singh Dhoni:
2011 World Cup Victory
Prior to the World Cup, there were huge expectations on the Dhoni-led Indian team to emerge as champions. Dhoni’s men stood to the expectations, winning nail-biting encounters in the league stage, and in the process advanced to the semi-finals. Sachin’s heroics helped India to seal the victory in the semi-final and now thereby facing Asian giants Sri Lanka in the final. It was Dhoni who took India to cross the line, as he notched up a stunning 91. The six he hit to win the World Cup will be remembered by every cricket fan.
2007 T20 World Cup Victory
It was the inaugural edition of the T20 world cup with the selectors leaving out legends like Sachin, and Dravid for the tournament, opting for a young team under Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Since there was not much awareness on the T20 format at that time India was not expected to make a huge impact. But, surprisingly, India made into finals, thanks to some strong performances of Uthappa, Yuvraj, and Irfan Pathan. Dhoni’s decision to make Uthappa bowl during bowl-out and giving last over to Joginder Sharma was hailed by fans and cricketing pundits across the globe.
ICC Champions Trophy 2013
After the world cup victory, India were the red hot favorites in 2013 champions trophy, held in England. But India had their own problems, having inexperienced bowling unit, with the majority of them never been to England before. In their batting department, India had left out Sehwag and Gambhir and forged a new opening pair in the name of Rohit and Dhawan. Dhoni’s decision to bat Rohit up the order made wonders, as India emerged victorious in a closely contested final against home team England.
Commonwealth Bank Series 2008
This was the Dhoni’s first series as an ODI captain and Indian team had left out stalwarts like Dravid and Ganguly. All eyes were on India team on how they were going to fare against mighty Australians and Sri Lankans. But, Dhoni’s young brigade didn’t disappoint as they made into finals against Australia. In finals, Dhoni surprised everyone by picking Piyush Chawla as the second spinner. The decision has worked out very well as Piyush Chawla kept Aussie batsmen under wraps along with Sachin’s heroics, India emerged as champions for the first time in Australia.
148 against Pakistan In 2004
Dhoni, at that time, was in the beginning stage of his career, as he played only three matches till then. Ganguly’s decision to promote Dhoni to a one-down position as surprise package worked out wonders. The wicket-keeper batsman made full use of the opportunity and made headlines by scoring a blistering 148, helping India seal a stunning victory against Pakistan in 2004.
Also Check :
- MS Dhoni Biography – Personal Life | Stats & Records | Net Worth and Controversies
- MS Dhoni Journey – From Ticket Collector to Trophy Collector
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