MS Dhoni: Difference between revisions

{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2020}}

|caption            = Dhoni in 2016

|birth_date        = {{Birth date and age|1981|7|7|df=yes}}

|birth_place        = [[Ranchi]], [[Bihar]] (now in [[Jharkhand]]), India

|nickname          = Mahi, Captain Cool, MSD, Thala<ref name="Thala">{{Cite magazine|last1=Sen|first1=Rohan|title=MS Dhoni pays tribute to CSK fans: Thala is a big nickname they have given me|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/story/csk-vs-dc-ipl-2019-thala-ms-dhoni-chennai-super-kings-fans-chepauk-1514957-2019-05-02|magazine=[[India Today]]|publisher=[[Living Media]]|access-date=5 May 2019|archive-date=4 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604180410/https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/story/csk-vs-dc-ipl-2019-thala-ms-dhoni-chennai-super-kings-fans-chepauk-1514957-2019-05-02|url-status=live}}</ref>

| family<!--SPOUSE IS AN UNRECOGNIZED PARAMETER. DON'T CHANGE THIS.--> ={{marriage|Sakshi Dhoni (wife)|2010}}

|year1              = 1999–2004

|year2              = 2004/05–present

|year3              = 2008–2015 {{Break}} 2018–present

|columns            = 3

|date              = 15 August 2020

'''Mahendra Singh Dhoni''' ({{audio|Mahendra Singh Dhoni.ogg|pronunciation}} born 7 July 1981), is a former Indian international [[cricket]]er who [[Captain (cricket)|captain]]ed the [[Indian national cricket team|Indian national team]] in limited-overs formats from 2007 to 2017 and in [[Test cricket]] from 2008 to 2014.  MS Dhoni is the only captain in the history of cricket to win all ICC trophies.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=DelhiAugust 15|first1=India Today Web Desk New|last2=August 15|first2=2021UPDATED|last3=Ist|first3=2021 11:41|title=This day, last year: Mahendra Singh Dhoni quits international cricket with 'consider me retired' Instagram post|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/this-day-last-year-former-india-captain-mahendra-singh-dhoni-retires-from-international-cricket-1841035-2021-08-15|access-date=2021-08-29|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref> Under his captaincy, India won the inaugural [[2007 ICC World Twenty20]], the [[2010 Asia Cup|2010]] and [[2016 Asia Cup|2016]] Asia Cups, the [[2011 ICC Cricket World Cup]] and the [[2013 ICC Champions Trophy]]. A right-handed middle-order batsman and [[wicket-keeper]], Dhoni is one of the highest run scorers in [[One Day International]]s (ODIs) with more than 10,000 runs scored and is considered an effective 'finisher' in limited-overs formats.<ref>{{cite news|title=Dhoni is best finisher I have ever seen: Vengsarkar|url=http://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/dhoni-is-best-finisher-i-have-ever-seen-vengsarkar/article4909009.ece|work=The Hindu|access-date=5 December 2013|location=Chennai, India|date=12 July 2013|archive-date=23 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200623143032/https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/dhoni-is-best-finisher-i-have-ever-seen-vengsarkar/article4909009.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=MS Dhoni, a fantastic finisher|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/sport/report-ms-dhoni-a-fantastic-finisher-1860401|publisher=DNA India|access-date=5 December 2013|date=13 July 2013|archive-date=2 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170702104058/http://www.dnaindia.com/sport/report-ms-dhoni-a-fantastic-finisher-1860401|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Experts feel Dhoni is the best finisher|url=http://www.sunday-guardian.com/sports/experts-feel-dhoni-is-the-best-finisher|work=Sunday Guardian|access-date=5 December 2013|archive-date=27 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127053803/http://www.sunday-guardian.com/sports/experts-feel-dhoni-is-the-best-finisher|url-status=live}}</ref> He was also the first wicket-keeper to effect 100 [[stumpings]] in ODI cricket.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.firstpost.com/sports/ms-dhoni-and-the-art-of-wicketkeeping-overshadowed-by-the-bat-his-glovework-is-just-as-inventive-2829736.html|work=Firstpost|date=12 June 2016|access-date=29 May 2017|author=Snehal Pradhan|title=MS Dhoni and the art of wicketkeeping: Overshadowed by the bat, his glovework is just as inventive|archive-date=23 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723081519/https://www.firstpost.com/sports/ms-dhoni-and-the-art-of-wicketkeeping-overshadowed-by-the-bat-his-glovework-is-just-as-inventive-2829736.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Dhoni’s skill in the cricket field has been praised by cricketers such as Kapil Dev, Adam Gilchrist, Nasser Hussain and Kevin Peterson who have often ranked him is as one of the greatest wicket-keeper batsmen and captains in the history of the game.<ref>* {{cite web|date=11 August 2018|title=MS Dhoni: One of the Greatest|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/dhoni-the-greatest-of-the-century|access-date=16 November 2018|website=|publisher=Sportskeeda|archive-date=3 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703181243/https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/dhoni-the-greatest-of-the-century|url-status=live}}

* {{cite news|date=16 August 2020|title=MS Dhoni arguably the greatest captain ever: Pietersen|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/sports/ms-dhoni-arguably-the-greatest-captain-ever-pietersen/articleshow/75217963.cms|access-date=18 April 2020|newspaper=The Economic Times|archive-date=21 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201221211225/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/sports/ms-dhoni-arguably-the-greatest-captain-ever-pietersen/articleshow/75217963.cms|url-status=live}}

* {{cite web|date=21 September 2019|title=MS Dhoni: the greatest wicket-keeper batsman of all time?|url=https://www.republicworld.com/sports-news/cricket-news/ms-dhoni-the-greatest-wicket-keeper-batsman-of-all-time.html|access-date=2021-02-25|website=Republic World|publisher=Republic TV|archive-date=3 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703181234/https://www.republicworld.com/sports-news/cricket-news/ms-dhoni-the-greatest-wicket-keeper-batsman-of-all-time.html|url-status=live}}

* {{cite web|date=16 August 2020|title=India Great Dhoni Retires From International Cricket|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-08-15/india-great-dhoni-retires-from-international-cricket|access-date=22 February 2021|website=|publisher=Bloomberg|archive-date=2 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201002151132/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-08-15/india-great-dhoni-retires-from-international-cricket|url-status=live}}</ref>

Dhoni made his ODI debut on 23 December 2004 against [[Bangladesh national cricket team|Bangladesh]], and played his first Test a year later against [[Sri Lanka national cricket team|Sri Lanka]]. He has been the recipient of many awards, including the [[ICC ODI Player of the Year]] award in 2008 and 2009 (the first player to win the award twice), the [[Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna]] award in 2007, the [[Padma Shri]], India's fourth highest civilian honour, in 2009 and the [[Padma Bhushan]], India's third highest civilian honour, in 2018.<ref name="Padma Awards">{{cite web|url=http://mha.nic.in/sites/upload_files/mha/files/LST-PDAWD-2013.pdf |title=Padma Awards |publisher=Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India |date=2015 |access-date=21 July 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6U68ulwpb?url=http://mha.nic.in/sites/upload_files/mha/files/LST-PDAWD-2013.pdf |archive-date=15 November 2014 }}</ref> Dhoni was named as the captain of the [[ICC Awards|ICC World Test XI]] in 2009, 2010 and 2013. He has also been selected a record 8 times in [[ICC Awards|ICC World ODI XI]] teams, 5 times as captain. The Indian [[Territorial Army (India)|Territorial Army]] conferred the honorary rank of [[Lieutenant Colonel]]<ref name="milrank2011nov">{{cite news | url=http://www.thehindu.com/sport/other-sports/article2589084.ece | title=Dhoni, Bindra conferred Lt. Col. rank | work=The Hindu | edition=New Delhi | date=1 November 2011 | access-date=2 November 2011 | location=Chennai, India | archive-date=10 January 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110205824/http://www.thehindu.com/sport/other-sports/article2589084.ece | url-status=live }}</ref> to Dhoni on 1 November 2011. He is the second Indian cricketer after [[Kapil Dev]] to receive this honour.

Dhoni also holds numerous captaincy records such as the most wins by an Indian captain in ODIs and T20Is, and most back-to-back wins by an Indian captain in ODIs. He took over the ODI captaincy from [[Rahul Dravid]] in 2007 and led the team to its first-ever bilateral ODI series wins in Sri Lanka and New Zealand. In June 2013, when India defeated England in the final of the Champions Trophy in England, Dhoni became the first captain to win all three ICC limited-overs trophies ([[Cricket World Cup|World Cup]], [[ICC Champions Trophy|Champions Trophy]] and the [[ICC Men's T20 World Cup|World Twenty20]]). After taking up the Test captaincy in 2008, he led the team to series wins in New Zealand and the West Indies, and the [[Border-Gavaskar Trophy]] in 2008, 2010 and 2013. In 2009, Dhoni also led the Indian team to number one position for the first time in the [[ICC Test Championship|ICC Test rankings]].

In 2013, under Dhoni's captaincy, India became the first team in more than 40 years to [[Whitewash (sport)#Cricket|whitewash]] [[Australia cricket team|Australia]] in a Test series. In the [[Indian Premier League]], he captained the [[Chennai Super Kings]] to victory at the [[2010 Indian Premier League|2010]], [[2011 Indian Premier League|2011]] and [[2018 Indian Premier League|2018 season]]s, along with wins in the [[2010 Champions League Twenty20|2010]] and [[2014 Champions League Twenty20|2014]] editions of [[Champions League Twenty20]]. In 2011, ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' magazine included Dhoni in its annual [[Time 100]] list as one of the "Most Influential People in the World."<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/0,28757,2066367,00.html | work=Time | title=The 2011 Time 100 | access-date=2 September 2011 | archive-date=25 August 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130825085532/http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/0,28757,2066367,00.html | url-status=dead }}</ref> Dhoni holds the post of Vice-President of [[India Cements|India Cements Ltd.]], after resigning from [[Air India]]. India Cements is the owner of the [[Indian Premier League]] team [[Chennai Super Kings]], and Dhoni has been its captain since the first IPL season.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-02-02/top-stories/36703205_1_india-cements-ms-dhoni-corporate-trophy| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130328121447/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-02-02/top-stories/36703205_1_india-cements-ms-dhoni-corporate-trophy| url-status=dead| archive-date=28 March 2013| work=[[The Times of India]]| title=MS Dhoni joins BCCI boss' company as vice-president| date=2 February 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.thehindu.com/business/companies/india-cements-appoints-dhoni-as-vicepresident/article4369568.ece?homepage=true| title=India Cements appoints Dhoni as Vice-President| date=2 February 2013| location=Chennai, India| work=The Hindu| first=K. T.| last=Jagannathan| access-date=2 February 2013| archive-date=27 September 2020| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927175708/https://www.thehindu.com/business/companies/india-cements-appoints-dhoni-as-vicepresident/article4369568.ece?homepage=true| url-status=live}}</ref> He announced his retirement from Tests on 30 December 2014.<ref>{{cite news |title= Dhoni retires from Test cricket |url= http://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/story/814975.html |publisher= ESPNcricinfo.com |date= 30 December 2014 |access-date= 30 December 2014 |archive-date= 18 July 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180718115929/http://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/story/814975.html |url-status= live }}</ref>

In 2012, [[SportsPro]] rated Dhoni as the sixteenth most marketable athlete in the world.<ref>{{cite news| url= http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-06-26/off-the-field/32424123_1_mc-mary-kom-london-olympics-world-champion-boxer| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130618042111/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-06-26/off-the-field/32424123_1_mc-mary-kom-london-olympics-world-champion-boxer| url-status= dead| archive-date= 18 June 2013| work= [[The Times of India]]| title=MS Dhoni, Mary Kom world's 16th, 38th most marketable athletes| date=26 June 2012 }}</ref> He is the co-owner of [[Indian Super League]] team [[Chennaiyin FC]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/141006/sports-football/article/dhoni-becomes-isl-team-chennaiyin-fc-co-owner|title=Dhoni becomes ISL team Chennaiyin FC co-owner|date=6 October 2014|access-date=7 October 2014|archive-date=7 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141007051743/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/141006/sports-football/article/dhoni-becomes-isl-team-chennaiyin-fc-co-owner|url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2015, ''Forbes'' ranked Dhoni at 23rd in the [[Forbes' list of world's highest-paid athletes|list of highest paid athletes in the world]], estimating his earnings at [[US$]]31 million.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/profile/mahendra-singh-dhoni/ |title=Mahendra Singh Dhoni |work=Forbes |date=10 June 2014 |access-date=4 August 2015 |archive-date=28 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128064704/https://www.forbes.com/profile/mahendra-singh-dhoni/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2016, a biopic ''[[M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story]]'' was made on his life and his cricket career up to the Indian team's win at the [[2011 Cricket World Cup]].

Dhoni announced his retirement from international cricket on 15 August 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|date=15 August 2020|title=MS Dhoni retires from all international cricket|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1281004#:~:text=Former%20India%20captain%20Mahendra%20Singh,his%20retirement%20from%20international%20cricket.&text=The%20BCCI%20later%20confirmed%20in,to%20feature%20in%20the%20IPL.|access-date=16 November 2020|website=International Cricket Council|archive-date=1 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101022148/https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1281004#:~:text=Former%20India%20captain%20Mahendra%20Singh,his%20retirement%20from%20international%20cricket.&text=The%20BCCI%20later%20confirmed%20in,to%20feature%20in%20the%20IPL.|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/29667008/ms-dhoni-retirement-sachin-tendulkar-leads-tributes- |title=MS Dhoni retirement: Tributes pour in on social media |work=ESPNCricinfo |access-date=15 August 2020 |archive-date=28 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128091738/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/29667008/ms-dhoni-retirement-sachin-tendulkar-leads-tributes- |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-08-15|title=MS Dhoni announces retirement from international cricket|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/ms-dhoni-announces-retirement-from-international-cricket/story-vlFfrbT21FWo9RZUZlzh9K.html|access-date=2020-10-25|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|archive-date=16 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416202359/https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/ms-dhoni-announces-retirement-from-international-cricket/story-vlFfrbT21FWo9RZUZlzh9K.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Dhoni was born in [[Ranchi]], [[Bihar]] (now in [[Jharkhand]]),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/india/content/player/28081.html|title=Players and Officials – MS Dhoni|work=Cricinfo|access-date=4 August 2008|archive-date=12 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090212192116/http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/india/content/player/28081.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and he hails from a [[Hindu]] [[Rajput]] family.<ref>{{cite news |title=Interview – M. S. Dhoni |first=S. |last=Dinakar |url=http://www.tssonnet.com/tss2849/stories/20051203001202300.htm |department=Sportstar |work=The Hindu|volume=28 |issue=49 |date=9 December 2005 |access-date=30 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120220163914/http://www.tssonnet.com/tss2849/stories/20051203001202300.htm |archive-date=20 February 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> His paternal village Lwali is in the Lamgara block of the [[Almora District]] of [[Uttarakhand]]. Dhoni's parents moved from [[Uttarakhand]] to Ranchi, where his father Pan Singh worked in junior management positions in [[MECON Limited|MECON]]. Dhoni has a sister Jayanti Gupta and a brother Narendra Singh Dhoni.<ref>[http://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/news/item/202092-ms-dhonis-sister-to-convey-schools-best-wishes MS Dhoni's sister to convey school's best wishes | India vs England 2012 – News | NDTVSports.com] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703181230/https://sports.ndtv.com/ |date=3 July 2021 }}. Sports.ndtv.com (17 January 2013). Retrieved on 23 December 2013.</ref><ref name="dhonipersonal">{{cite web |url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2006/20060429/saturday/main1.htm |title=Ranchi rocker |date=29 April 2006 |work=The Tribune |location=India |access-date=12 May 2007 |archive-date=10 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410141511/https://www.tribuneindia.com/2006/20060429/saturday/main1.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Dhoni is a fan of [[Adam Gilchrist]], and his childhood idols were cricket teammate [[Sachin Tendulkar]], [[Bollywood]] actor [[Amitabh Bachchan]] and singer [[Lata Mangeshkar]]<ref>{{cite web| url=http://content-www.cricinfo.com/columns/content/story/245748.html| title=SAD, senility and nudes| date=30 April 2006| publisher=[[Cricinfo]]| access-date=12 May 2007| archive-date=22 June 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080622153911/http://content-www.cricinfo.com/columns/content/story/245748.html| url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2006/08/05/stories/2006080501430400.htm| title=Besides mane matters... | date=5 August 2005 |work=The Hindu |location=India | access-date=19 May 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080226124846/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2006/08/05/stories/2006080501430400.htm |archive-date=26 February 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Dhoni studied at [[DAV Jawahar Vidya Mandir, Shyamali]], Ranchi, Jharkhand where he initially excelled in badminton and [[association football|football]] and was selected at district and club level in these sports. Dhoni was a [[Goalkeeper (association football)|goalkeeper]] for his football team and was sent to play cricket for a local cricket club by his football coach. Though he had not played cricket, Dhoni impressed with his wicket-keeping skills and became the regular wicketkeeper at the Commando cricket club (1995–1998). Based on his performance at club cricket, he was picked for the 1997/98 season Vinoo Mankad Trophy Under-16 Championship and he performed well.<ref name="dhonipersonal"/> Dhoni focused on cricket after his 10th [[Education in India#Structure|standard]].<ref>{{cite web| url=http://content-ind.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/208617.html| title=The cameras used to pass by, now they stop for me| date=4 May 2005| publisher=[[Cricinfo]]| access-date=12 May 2007| archive-date=17 November 2007| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071117203926/http://content-ind.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/208617.html| url-status=live}}</ref> He was a [[Conductor (rail)|Travelling Ticket Examiner]] (TTE) at [[Kharagpur railway station]] from 2001 to 2003, under South Eastern Railway in Midnapore (W), a district in [[West Bengal]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/states/west-bengal/dhoni-the-kharagpur-story/cid/1497897|title=Dhoni: The Kharagpur story|website=www.telegraphindia.com|access-date=5 May 2019|archive-date=5 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505043705/https://www.telegraphindia.com/states/west-bengal/dhoni-the-kharagpur-story/cid/1497897|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=VE9JQkcvMjAxMS8wNC8wMyNBcjAxNDAw|title=Error|website=epaper.timesofindia.com|access-date=1 November 2016|archive-date=3 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403151522/http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=VE9JQkcvMjAxMS8wNC8wMyNBcjAxNDAw|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ahmedabadmirror.indiatimes.com/others/sunday-read/The-Dhoni-files/articleshow/37526959.cms|title=The Dhoni files|website=Ahmedabad Mirror|access-date=5 May 2019|archive-date=27 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127164822/https://ahmedabadmirror.indiatimes.com/others/sunday-read/The-Dhoni-files/articleshow/37526959.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> His colleagues remember him as a very honest, straightforward employee of the Indian Railways. But Dhoni also had a mischievous side to his personality. Once, while staying at the railway quarters, Dhoni and a couple of his friends covered themselves in white bedsheets and walked around in the complex late in the night. The night guards were fooled into believing that there were ghosts moving around in the complex. The story made big news on the next day.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-04-03/news/29377296_1_mahendra-singh-dhoni-railways-job-sourav-ganguly/ |title=Mahendra Singh Dhoni: From a 'ticket collector' to Team India 'World Cup winning' captain |publisher=Articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com |date=3 April 2011 |access-date=7 August 2014 |archive-date=16 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916034710/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-04-03/news/29377296_1_mahendra-singh-dhoni-railways-job-sourav-ganguly |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1081109/jsp/calcutta/story_10081820.jsp/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111031141234/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1081109/jsp/calcutta/story_10081820.jsp/|url-status=dead|title=Mahi of Midnapore|archive-date=31 October 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Chandan Banerjee |url=http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Indian-Railway-keeps-Dhoni-Dola-waiting/269251/ |title=Indian Railway keeps Dhoni, Dola waiting |publisher=Express India |access-date=2 August 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080706224446/http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Indian-Railway-keeps-Dhoni-Dola-waiting/269251/ |archive-date=6 July 2008 }}</ref>

==Early career==

In 1998, Dhoni was selected by Deval Sahay to play for the Central Coal Fields Limited (CCL) team.<ref>[http://www.indianexpress.com/news/dhoniland-erupts-in-joy-after-historic-win/280233/ "Man of the moment"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703181232/https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/dhoni-land-erupts-in-joy-after-historic-win/ |date=3 July 2021 }}. [[India Today]], 3 October 2007. Retrieved 4 October 2013.</ref> Till 1998 Dhoni, who was in class 12th in school, had played only school cricket and club cricket and no professional cricket. One of the famous episodes, when Dhoni used to play for CCL, was when Deval Sahay used to gift him Rs 50 for each six that he hit in Sheesh Mahal tournament cricket matches.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/specials/m-s-dhoni-before-he-became-a-giant-115010801032_1.html|title=M S Dhoni: Before he became a giant|first=Sidhanta Patnaik & Dileep|last=Premachandran|date=10 January 2015|via=Business Standard|newspaper=Business Standard India|access-date=5 May 2019|archive-date=8 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108125935/http://www.business-standard.com/article/specials/m-s-dhoni-before-he-became-a-giant-115010801032_1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Playing for CCL, he got a chance to bat up the order. He grabbed the opportunity and scored centuries and helped CCL move to the A division.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/states/jharkhand/300-odis-where-d-stands-for-dhoni/cid/1359649 | title=300 ODIs, where D stands for Dhoni | access-date=27 September 2019 | archive-date=27 September 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190927061134/https://www.telegraphindia.com/states/jharkhand/300-odis-where-d-stands-for-dhoni/cid/1359649 | url-status=live }}</ref> Deval Sahay impressed by his hard-hitting shots and dedication, used his contacts in Bihar Cricket Association to push for his selection in the Bihar team.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/hindi/sport-38521586|title=जब छात्र धोनी के लिए बनाई गई टीम|first=देवल|last=सहाय|date=6 January 2017|newspaper=BBC News हिंदी|access-date=5 May 2019|archive-date=6 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806081043/https://www.bbc.com/hindi/sport-38521586|url-status=live}}</ref> Deval Sahay, an ex Bihar Cricket Association Vice-President, was the Ranchi District Cricket President at that time and was instrumental in pushing Dhoni to the big stage of Ranchi team, junior Bihar cricket team and eventually senior Bihar Ranji Team for the 1999–2000 season. Within 1 year, Dhoni moved from playing in CCL to the Bihar Ranji team.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/fortune-changed-not-the-man/cid/403427 | title=Fortune changed, not the man | access-date=27 September 2019 | archive-date=5 August 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805091934/https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/fortune-changed-not-the-man/cid/403427 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=https://caravanmagazine.in/reportage/sun-and-shadow | title=The decade of Mahendra Singh Dhoni | access-date=27 September 2019 | archive-date=8 May 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508151854/https://caravanmagazine.in/reportage/sun-and-shadow | url-status=live }}</ref> Dhoni has credited Deval Sahay for instilling discipline in him.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/sport/dhoni-s-appeal-to-corporates-psus-india-keeper-seeks-support-for-emerging-cricketers/cid/1064939 | title=Dhoni's appeal to corporates, PSUs – India 'keeper seeks support for emerging cricketers | access-date=27 September 2019 | archive-date=27 September 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190927061138/https://www.telegraphindia.com/sport/dhoni-s-appeal-to-corporates-psus-india-keeper-seeks-support-for-emerging-cricketers/cid/1064939 | url-status=live }}</ref> Dhoni was included in the Bihar U-19 squad for the 1998–99 season and scored 176 runs in 5 matches (7 innings) as the team finished fourth in the group of six and did not make it to the quarter-finals. Dhoni was not picked for the East Zone U-19 squad (CK Nayudu Trophy) or Rest of India squad (MA Chidambaram Trophy and Vinoo Mankad Trophy). [[Bihar cricket team|Bihar]] U-19 cricket team advanced to the finals of 1999–2000 Cooch Behar Trophy, where Dhoni made 84 to help Bihar post a total of 357.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/top-stories/Dhoni-biopic-MS-Dhoni-untold-story-Yuvraj-Singhs-358-run-knock-in-MS-Dhoni-biopic-actually-happened-Sushant-Singh-Rajput/articleshow/54714879.cms|title=Yuvraj Singh's 358-run knock in MS Dhoni biopic actually happened – Times of India|website=The Times of India|access-date=5 May 2019|archive-date=22 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722011532/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/top-stories/Dhoni-biopic-MS-Dhoni-untold-story-Yuvraj-Singhs-358-run-knock-in-MS-Dhoni-biopic-actually-happened-Sushant-Singh-Rajput/articleshow/54714879.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> Bihar's efforts were dwarfed by [[Punjab cricket team (India)|Punjab]] U-19s' 839 with Dhoni's future national squad teammate [[Yuvraj Singh]] making 358.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ind.cricinfo.com/link_to_database/ARCHIVE/1999-2000/IND_LOCAL/U19/CB/KNOCK-OUTS/BIHAR-U19_PNJB-U19_CB-FINAL_16-19DEC1999.html|title=Scorecard: Cooch Behar Trophy Final 1999/2000 Season|publisher=[[Cricinfo]]|access-date=12 May 2007|archive-date=13 October 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013204911/http://ind.cricinfo.com/link_to_database/ARCHIVE/1999-2000/IND_LOCAL/U19/CB/KNOCK-OUTS/BIHAR-U19_PNJB-U19_CB-FINAL_16-19DEC1999.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Cooch Behar 1999/00 (Final) – Bihar Under-19 v Punjab Under-19|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/119/119688.html|access-date=12 February 2017|archive-date=18 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418081159/https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/119/119688.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Dhoni's contribution in the tournament included 488 runs (9 matches, 12 innings), 5 fifties, 17 catches and 7 stumpings.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ind.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/1999-2000/IND_LOCAL/U19/CB/STATS/IND_LOCAL_CB_AVS_BIHAR-U19.html|title=Statistics: Bihar Squad U-19 Cooch Behar Trophy Averages|publisher=[[Cricinfo]]|access-date=12 May 2007|archive-date=6 May 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090506110730/http://ind.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/1999-2000/IND_LOCAL/U19/CB/STATS/IND_LOCAL_CB_AVS_BIHAR-U19.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Dhoni made it to the East Zone U-19 squad for the CK Nayudu trophy<ref>{{cite web|title=East Zone Squad|url=http://static.espncricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/1999-2000/IND_LOCAL/U19/NAYUDU/SQUADS/NAYUDU_1999-2000_EAST-SQUAD.html|publisher=[[ESPNcricinfo]]|access-date=12 February 2017|archive-date=12 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170212170441/http://static.espncricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/1999-2000/IND_LOCAL/U19/NAYUDU/SQUADS/NAYUDU_1999-2000_EAST-SQUAD.html|url-status=live}}</ref> but scored only 97 runs<ref>{{cite web|title=CK Nayudu Trophy 1999/00 Batting – Most Runs|url=http://static.espncricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/1999-2000/IND_LOCAL/U19/NAYUDU/STATS/IND_LOCAL_NAYUDU_AVS_BAT_MOST_RUNS.html|publisher=[[ESPNcricinfo]]|access-date=12 February 2017|archive-date=12 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170212170729/http://static.espncricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/1999-2000/IND_LOCAL/U19/NAYUDU/STATS/IND_LOCAL_NAYUDU_AVS_BAT_MOST_RUNS.html|url-status=live}}</ref> in four matches, as East Zone lost all four matches and finished last in the tournament.<ref>{{cite web|title=CK Nayudu Trophy, 1999–2000 – Points Table|url=http://static.espncricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/1999-2000/IND_LOCAL/U19/NAYUDU/NAYUDU_1999-2000_TABLE.html|publisher=[[ESPNcricinfo]]|access-date=12 February 2017|archive-date=12 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170212170524/http://static.espncricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/1999-2000/IND_LOCAL/U19/NAYUDU/NAYUDU_1999-2000_TABLE.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Bihar cricket team===

Dhoni made his [[Ranji Trophy]] debut for [[Bihar cricket team|Bihar]] in the 1999–2000 season, as an eighteen-year-old. He made a half century in his debut match scoring 68* in the second innings against [[Assam cricket team]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ind.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/1999-2000/IND_LOCAL/RANJI/EAST/BIHAR_ASSAM_RJI-E_12-15JAN2000.html|title=Scorecard: Assam v/s Bihar 1999/2000 Ranji Trophy Season|publisher=[[Cricinfo]]|access-date=12 May 2007|archive-date=13 October 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013204034/http://ind.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/1999-2000/IND_LOCAL/RANJI/EAST/BIHAR_ASSAM_RJI-E_12-15JAN2000.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Dhoni finished the season with 283 runs in 5 matches. Dhoni scored his maiden first-class century while playing for [[Bihar cricket team|Bihar]] against [[Bengal cricket team|Bengal]] in the 2000/01 season, in a losing cause.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ind.cricinfo.com/link_to_database/ARCHIVE/2000-01/IND_LOCAL/RANJI/EAST/BENG_BIHAR_RJI-E_03-06JAN2001.html|title=Scorecard:Bihar v/s Bengal Ranji Trophy 2000/01 Season|publisher=[[Cricinfo]]|access-date=18 May 2007|archive-date=13 October 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013204917/http://ind.cricinfo.com/link_to_database/ARCHIVE/2000-01/IND_LOCAL/RANJI/EAST/BENG_BIHAR_RJI-E_03-06JAN2001.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Apart from this century, his performance in the 2000/01 season<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ind.cricinfo.com/link_to_database/ARCHIVE/2000-01/IND_LOCAL/RANJI/EAST/STATS/IND_LOCAL_RJI-E_AVS_BIHAR.html|title=Statistics: 2000/01 Bihar Squad Ranji Trophy Averages|publisher=[[Cricinfo]]|access-date=12 May 2007|archive-date=6 May 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090506103731/http://ind.cricinfo.com/link_to_database/ARCHIVE/2000-01/IND_LOCAL/RANJI/EAST/STATS/IND_LOCAL_RJI-E_AVS_BIHAR.html|url-status=live}}</ref> did not include another score over fifty and in the 2001/02 season, he scored just five fifties in four Ranji matches.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ind.cricinfo.com/link_to_database/ARCHIVE/2001-02/IND_LOCAL/RANJI/EAST/STATS/IND_LOCAL_RJI-E_AVS_BIHAR.html|title=Statistics: 2001/02 Bihar Squad Ranji Trophy Averages|publisher=[[Cricinfo]]|access-date=12 May 2007|archive-date=6 May 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090506103736/http://ind.cricinfo.com/link_to_database/ARCHIVE/2001-02/IND_LOCAL/RANJI/EAST/STATS/IND_LOCAL_RJI-E_AVS_BIHAR.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Jharkhand cricket team===

Dhoni's performance in the 2002–03 season included three half-centuries in the Ranji Trophy and a couple of half-centuries in the Deodhar Trophy, as he started gaining recognition for his lower-order contribution as well as hard-hitting batting style. In the 2003/04 season, Dhoni scored a century (128*) against Assam in the first match of the Ranji ODI tournament. Dhoni was part of the [[East Zone cricket team|East Zone]] squad that won the Deodhar Trophy 2003–2004 season<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/records/engine/series/431939.html|title=Results &#124; Deodhar Trophy, 2003/04 &#124; ESPNcricinfo.com|website=Cricinfo|access-date=5 October 2016|archive-date=5 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190905205006/http://www.espncricinfo.com/records/engine/series/431939.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/states/jharkhand/left-out-dhoni-eyes-african-safari/cid/740635|title=Left-out Dhoni eyes African safari|website=www.telegraphindia.com|access-date=5 May 2019|archive-date=5 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505043704/https://www.telegraphindia.com/states/jharkhand/left-out-dhoni-eyes-african-safari/cid/740635|url-status=live}}</ref> and contributed with 244 runs in 4 matches,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=5582;team=1741;type=tournament|title=Deodhar Trophy East Zone|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161122191838/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=5582%3Bteam%3D1741%3Btype%3Dtournament|archive-date=22 November 2016}}</ref> including a century (114) against Central zone.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/8737/scorecard/431948/east-zone-vs-central-zone-deodhar-trophy-2003-04|title=Full Scorecard of East Zone vs Central Zone, Deodhar Trophy, Innings - Score Report &#124; ESPNcricinfo.com|website=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=5 May 2019|archive-date=5 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505043705/http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/8737/scorecard/431948/east-zone-vs-central-zone-deodhar-trophy-2003-04|url-status=live}}</ref>

In the Duleep Trophy finals, Dhoni was picked over international cricketer [[Deep Dasgupta]] to represent East Zone.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://content-ind.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/139724.html|title=Pitching it right, and some old familiar faces|publisher=[[Cricinfo]]|date=4 March 2004|access-date=12 May 2007|archive-date=12 October 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012214841/http://content-ind.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/139724.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He scored a fighting half-century in the second innings in a losing cause.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ind.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2003-04/IND_LOCAL/DULEEP/SCORECARDS/EAST_NORTH_DULEEP_04-08MAR2004.html|title=Scorecard: Duleep Trophy Final 2003/2004 Season|publisher=[[Cricinfo]]|access-date=12 May 2007|archive-date=13 October 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013204420/http://ind.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2003-04/IND_LOCAL/DULEEP/SCORECARDS/EAST_NORTH_DULEEP_04-08MAR2004.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Dhoni's talent was discovered via the [[Board of Control for Cricket in India|BCCI]]'s small-town talent-spotting initiative [[Talent Resource Development Wing|TRDW]]. Dhoni was discovered by TRDO [[Prakash Poddar]], captain of [[Cricket Association of Bengal|Bengal]] in the 1960s, when he saw Dhoni play for [[Jharkhand]] at a match in [[Jamshedpur]] in 2003, and sent a report to the [[National Cricket Academy]].<ref name="Mirror">{{cite web|url=http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=TU1JUi8yMDA4LzAzLzEzI0FyMDI2MDA=&Mode=HTML&Locale=english-skin-custom|title=Bring back the scouts|work=[[Mumbai Mirror]]|date=30 March 2008|access-date=8 April 2011|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304074239/http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=TU1JUi8yMDA4LzAzLzEzI0FyMDI2MDA=&Mode=HTML&Locale=english-skin-custom|url-status=live}}</ref>

===India A team===

He was recognised for his efforts in the 2003/04 season, especially in the One Day format and was picked for the [[India A]] squad for a tour of [[Zimbabwe cricket team|Zimbabwe]] and [[Kenya cricket team|Kenya]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://content-ind.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/138530.html|title=Agarkar and Karthik dropped|publisher=[[Cricinfo]]|date=7 July 2004|access-date=12 May 2007|archive-date=12 October 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012214836/http://content-ind.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/138530.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Against the Zimbabwe XI in [[Harare Sports Club]], Dhoni had his best wicket-keeping effort with 7 catches and 4 stumpings in the match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ind.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2004/IND-A_IN_ZIM/SCORECARDS/IND-A_ZIM-SEL-XI_29JUL-01AUG2004.html|title=Scorecard: Zimbabwe Select XI v India A 3rd Match Kenya Triangular Tournament 2004 Season|publisher=[[Cricinfo]]|access-date=12 May 2007|archive-date=13 October 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013204715/http://ind.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2004/IND-A_IN_ZIM/SCORECARDS/IND-A_ZIM-SEL-XI_29JUL-01AUG2004.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the tri-nation tournament involving Kenya, India A and Pakistan A, Dhoni helped India A chase down their target of 223 against Pakistan A with a half-century.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ind.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2004/OTHERS/KTT/SCORECARDS/IND-A_PAK-A_KTT_13AUG2004.html|title=Scorecard:India A v Pakistan A 2004 Season|publisher=[[Cricinfo]]|access-date=12 May 2007|archive-date=21 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221092550/http://ind.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2004/OTHERS/KTT/SCORECARDS/IND-A_PAK-A_KTT_13AUG2004.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Continuing his good performance, he scored back to back centuries – 120<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ind.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2004/OTHERS/KTT/SCORECARDS/IND-A_PAK-A_KTT_16AUG2004.html|title=Scorecard:India A v Pakistan A 6th Match Kenya Triangular Tournament 2004 Season|publisher=[[Cricinfo]]|access-date=12 May 2007|archive-date=6 May 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090506103721/http://ind.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2004/OTHERS/KTT/SCORECARDS/IND-A_PAK-A_KTT_16AUG2004.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and 119*<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ind.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2004/OTHERS/KTT/SCORECARDS/IND-A_PAK-A_KTT_19AUG2004.html|title=Scorecard:India A v Pakistan A 8th Match Kenya Triangular Tournament 2004 Season|publisher=[[Cricinfo]]|access-date=12 May 2007|archive-date=28 October 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071028130449/http://ind.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2004/OTHERS/KTT/SCORECARDS/IND-A_PAK-A_KTT_19AUG2004.html|url-status=live}}</ref> – against the same team. Dhoni scored 362 runs in 6 innings at an average of 72.40 and his performance in the series received attention from the then [[Indian national cricket captain|Indian captain]] – Sourav Ganguly<ref name="GangulyWK"/> and Ravi Shastri, amongst others.

==International career==

===Start of ODI career===

The Indian ODI team in the early 2000s saw [[Rahul Dravid]] as the wicket-keeper to ensure that the wicket-keeper spot didn't lack in batting talent.<ref name="GangulyWK">{{cite web|url=http://content-ind.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/135231.html|title=Ganguly – 'We can pick up the momentum'|publisher=[[Cricinfo]]|date=16 August 2004|access-date=12 May 2007|archive-date=12 October 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012214831/http://content-ind.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/135231.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The team also saw the entry of wicket-keeper/batsmen from the junior ranks, with talents like [[Parthiv Patel]] and [[Dinesh Karthik]] (both [[Indian national cricket captains#Youth cricket|India U-19 captains]]) named in the Test squads.<ref name="GangulyWK"/> With Dhoni making a mark in the India A squad, he was picked in the ODI squad for the [[Indian cricket team in Bangladesh in 2004-05|Bangladesh tour in 2004/05]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://content-ind.cricinfo.com/india/content/story/135596.html|title=Kumble opts out of one-dayers against Bangladesh|publisher=[[Cricinfo]]|date=2 December 2004|access-date=12 May 2007|archive-date=12 October 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012215249/http://content-ind.cricinfo.com/india/content/story/135596.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Dhoni did not have a great start to his ODI career, getting [[run out]] for a duck on debut.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ind.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2004-05/IND_IN_BDESH/SCORECARDS/IND_BDESH_ODI1_23DEC2004.html|title=Scorecard:India v/s Bangladesh 1st ODI 2004/05 Season|publisher=[[Cricinfo]]|date=23 December 2004|access-date=12 May 2007|archive-date=19 December 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071219120333/http://ind.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2004-05/IND_IN_BDESH/SCORECARDS/IND_BDESH_ODI1_23DEC2004.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In spite of an average series against [[Bangladesh cricket team|Bangladesh]], Dhoni was picked for the Pakistan ODI series.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://content-ind.cricinfo.com/india/content/story/146511.html|title=Kumble and Laxman omitted from one-day squad|publisher=[[Cricinfo]]|date=2 December 2004|access-date=12 May 2007|archive-date=12 October 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012215254/http://content-ind.cricinfo.com/india/content/story/146511.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Breakthrough===

Dhoni had few batting opportunities in the first two games of the [[Sri Lankan cricket team in India in 2005-06|Sri Lankan bilateral ODI series (October–November 2005)]] and was promoted to No. 3 in the third ODI at [[Sawai Mansingh Stadium]] ([[Jaipur]]). Sri Lanka had set India a target of 299 after a [[Kumar Sangakkara]] century and, in reply, India lost Tendulkar early. Dhoni was promoted to accelerate the scoring and ended the game with an unbeaten 183 off 145 balls, winning the game for India.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ind.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2005-06/SL_IN_IND/SCORECARDS/SL_IND_ODI3_31OCT2005.html|title=Scorecard:Sri Lanka v/s India 3rd ODI 2005/06 Season|publisher=[[Cricinfo]]|date=31 October 2005|access-date=12 May 2007|archive-date=23 September 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080923055729/http://ind.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2005-06/SL_IN_IND/SCORECARDS/SL_IND_ODI3_31OCT2005.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The innings was described in [[Wisden Almanack]] (2006) as 'Uninhibited, yet anything but crude'.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/289060.html|title=Wisden Almanack: India v Sri Lanka, 2005–06|publisher=[[Wisden Almanack]]|access-date=13 May 2007|date=5 April 2007|archive-date=8 July 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120708024532/http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/289060.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The innings set various [[Mahendra Singh Dhoni#Records|records]] including the highest individual score in ODI cricket in the second innings,<ref name="Dhoni183records">{{cite web | url=http://content-www.cricinfo.com/columns/content/story/223803.html | title=Dhoni's day in the sun | date=2 November 2005 | access-date=11 May 2007 | archive-date=12 October 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012225315/http://content-www.cricinfo.com/columns/content/story/223803.html | url-status=live }}</ref> a record only broken after seven years by [[Shane Watson]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/12944/scorecard/503364/bangladesh-vs-australia-2nd-odi-australia-tour-of-bangladesh-2011|title=Full Scorecard of Bangladesh vs Australia 2nd ODI 2011 – Score Report {{!}} ESPNcricinfo.com|website=ESPNcricinfo|language=en|access-date=18 February 2019|archive-date=30 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130084215/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/12944/scorecard/503364/bangladesh-vs-australia-2nd-odi-australia-tour-of-bangladesh-2011|url-status=live}}</ref> Dhoni ended the series with the highest run aggregate (346)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ind.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2005-06/SL_IN_IND/STATS/SL_IN_IND_OCT-DEC2005_ODI_AVS.html|title=Sri Lanka in India, 2005–06 One-Day Series Averages|publisher=[[Cricinfo]]|access-date=12 May 2007|archive-date=6 May 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090506105529/http://ind.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2005-06/SL_IN_IND/STATS/SL_IN_IND_OCT-DEC2005_ODI_AVS.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and was awarded the Man of the Series award for his efforts. In December 2005, Dhoni was rewarded a B-grade contract by the [[Board of Control for Cricket in India|BCCI]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://content-ind.cricinfo.com/india/content/story/230654.html|title=Pathan elevated to top bracket, Zaheer demoted|publisher=[[Cricinfo]]|date=24 December 2005|access-date=12 May 2007|archive-date=12 October 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012215259/http://content-ind.cricinfo.com/india/content/story/230654.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:MS Dhoni bowling.jpg|thumb|upright|Dhoni bowling in the nets. He rarely bowls at international level.]]

India scored 328 in 50 overs with Dhoni contributing 68 in their first match of 2006 against [[Pakistani cricket team|Pakistan]]. However, the team finished poorly scoring just 43 runs in the last eight overs and lost the match due to [[Duckworth-Lewis method]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://usa.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2005-06/IND_IN_PAK/SCORECARDS/IND_PAK_ODI1_06FEB2006.html|title=Scorecard – India v/s Pakistan 1st ODI 2005/06 season|publisher=[[Cricinfo]]|access-date=13 May 2007|archive-date=21 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221065135/http://usa.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2005-06/IND_IN_PAK/SCORECARDS/IND_PAK_ODI1_06FEB2006.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the third match of the series, Dhoni came in with India in a precarious situation and scored 72 runs off just 46 balls that included 13 boundaries to help India take a 2–1 lead in the series.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://usa.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2005-06/IND_IN_PAK/SCORECARDS/IND_PAK_ODI3_13FEB2006.html|title=Scorecard – India v/s Pakistan 3rd ODI 2005/06 season|publisher=[[Cricinfo]]|access-date=13 May 2007|archive-date=6 May 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090506103805/http://usa.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2005-06/IND_IN_PAK/SCORECARDS/IND_PAK_ODI3_13FEB2006.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/tss/tss2907/stories/20060218010200400.htm|title=Dhoni's blitz tears Pakistan asunder |publisher=[[The Sportstar]]|date=18 February 2006|access-date=19 May 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100822172357/http://www.hinduonnet.com/tss/tss2907/stories/20060218010200400.htm |archive-date=22 August 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The final match of the series had a repeat performance as Dhoni scored 77 runs off 56 balls to enable India win the series 4–1.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/237571.html|title=Scorecard – India v/s Pakistan 5th ODI 2005/06 season|publisher=[[Cricinfo]]|access-date=13 May 2007|archive-date=21 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221085821/http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/237571.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Due to his consistent ODI performances, Dhoni overtook [[Ricky Ponting]] as number one in the [[LG ICC cricket ratings|ICC ODI Rankings]] for batsmen on 20 April 2006 becoming the fastest batsman to do so, in 42 innings.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/244910.html|title=Dhoni clinches top spot|publisher=[[Cricinfo]]|date=20 April 2006|access-date=13 May 2007|archive-date=12 October 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012221952/http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/244910.html|url-status=live}}</ref> His reign lasted just a week as [[Adam Gilchrist]]'s performance against [[Bangladesh cricket team|Bangladesh]] moved him to the top spot.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/245696.html|title=Gilchrist replaces Dhoni at the top|publisher=[[Cricinfo]]|date=29 April 2006|access-date=13 May 2007|archive-date=3 July 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070703224944/http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/245696.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Two cancelled series in Sri Lanka, one due to the withdrawal of South Africa from the Unitech Cup due to security concerns<ref>{{cite web|url=http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/unitechcup/content/story/256635.html|title=South Africa to fly home|publisher=[[Cricinfo]]|date=16 August 2006|access-date=13 May 2007|archive-date=19 February 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070219105951/http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/unitechcup/content/story/256635.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and the replacement three-match ODI bilateral series against Sri Lanka washed due to rain,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/unitechcup/content/story/257035.html|title=India-Sri Lanka one-dayers canceled|publisher=[[Cricinfo]]|date=20 August 2006|access-date=13 May 2007|archive-date=12 October 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012223903/http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/unitechcup/content/story/257035.html|url-status=live}}</ref> was India's prelude to another disappointing tournament – [[DLF Cup 2006-07]]. Dhoni scored 43 runs as the team lost twice in three games and did not qualify for the finals. India's lack of preparation showed in the [[2006 ICC Champions Trophy]] as they lost to [[West Indies cricket team|West Indies]] and [[Australia cricket team|Australia]], though Dhoni scored a half-century against West Indies. The story of the [[Indian cricket team in South Africa in 2006-07|ODI series]] in [[South African cricket team|South Africa]] was the same for both Dhoni and India as Dhoni scored 139 runs in 4 matches and India lost the series 4–0. From the start of the West Indies ODI series, Dhoni had played 16 matches, hit just two fifties and averaged 25.93. Dhoni received criticism on his wicket-keeping technique from former wicket-keeper [[Syed Kirmani]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/269628.html|title=Kirmani stumped by Dhoni's wicket-keeping technique|publisher=[[Cricinfo]]|date=24 November 2006|access-date=13 May 2007|archive-date=12 October 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012222001/http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/269628.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Yet, for his performances in 2006, he was named in the World ODI XI by the ICC.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc-awards/content/story/266801.html|title=Ricky Ponting takes top honours at glittering ICC Awards night|date=3 November 2006|website=Cricinfo|access-date=15 July 2019|archive-date=4 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804091358/https://www.espncricinfo.com/icc-awards/content/story/266801.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Preparations for the [[2007 Cricket World Cup]] improved as India recorded identical 3–1 victories over [[West Indian cricket team in India in 2006-07|West Indies]] and [[Sri Lankan cricket team in India in 2006-07|Sri Lanka]] and Dhoni had averages in excess of 100 in both these series.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/sports/it-made-me-a-better-person-ms-dhoni-reveals-how-2007-world-cup-exit-and-mob-backlash-changed-him-3008072.html|title='It made me a better person': MS Dhoni reveals how 2007 World Cup exit and backlash changed him|website=Firstpost|date=17 September 2016|access-date=13 May 2019|archive-date=26 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626201021/https://www.firstpost.com/sports/it-made-me-a-better-person-ms-dhoni-reveals-how-2007-world-cup-exit-and-mob-backlash-changed-him-3008072.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Dhoni was named vice-captain of the ODI team for the series against South Africa in Ireland and the subsequent India-England seven-match ODI series.<ref name="DhoniVC">{{cite web|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/tss/tss3020/stories/20070519011900400.htm | title=The poster boy comes of age |publisher=[[The Sportstar]]|date=19 May 2007|access-date=23 May 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100826055939/http://www.hinduonnet.com/tss/tss3020/stories/20070519011900400.htm |archive-date=26 August 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Dhoni, who received a 'B' grade contract in December 2005, was awarded an 'A' grade contract in June 2007. He was also elected as the captain of the Indian squad for the World Twenty20 in September 2007. On 2 September 2007, Dhoni equalled his idol Adam Gilchrist's international record for the most dismissals in an innings in ODI by catching five English players and stumping one.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/australia/content/current/story/298279.html|title=Indian board revises list of contracted players|publisher=[[Cricinfo]]|date=17 June 2007|access-date=19 June 2007|archive-date=12 October 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012221912/http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/australia/content/current/story/298279.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Rise through ranks===

During the series between India and Australia in 2009, Dhoni hit an aggressive 124 runs in just 107 balls, in the second ODI, and a measured knock of 71 runs in 95 balls, along with Yuvraj Singh and saw India home by 6 wickets in the third ODI. Dhoni took his first and only wicket in international cricket on 30 September 2009. He bowled [[Travis Dowlin]] of the [[West Indies]] during a match in the [[2009 ICC Champions Trophy]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/29685831/does-ms-dhoni-highest-average-batted-no.-6-india? |title=Does MS Dhoni have the highest average of those who batted at No. 6 and above for India? |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=18 August 2020 |archive-date=19 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201119212737/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/29685831/does-ms-dhoni-highest-average-batted-no.-6-india |url-status=live }}</ref>

Dhoni topped the ICC ODI Batsman rankings for several months in 2009. [[Michael Hussey]] from Australia replaced him at the top spot at the beginning of 2010.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/article98790.ece|title=Hussey replaces Dhoni as No.1 ODI batsman|access-date=1 February 2010|location=Chennai, India|work=The Hindu|date=1 February 2010|archive-date=10 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110205824/http://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/article98790.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>

Dhoni had an excellent year in ODIs in 2009, scoring 1198 runs in just 24 innings, at an astonishing average of 70.43. Dhoni was also the joint top-scorer in ODIs in 2009 along with Ricky Ponting, but the latter having played 30 innings. For his performances in 2009, he was named as captain and wicketkeeper of the World ODI XI by the ICC.<ref name="auto3">{{Cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci-icc/content/story/427665.html|title=Johnson and Gambhir scoop top awards|date=1 October 2009|website=Cricinfo|access-date=15 July 2019|archive-date=15 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715152542/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci-icc/content/story/427665.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

 

In [[Pakistani cricket team in India in 2012–13|2012]], Pakistan toured India for a bilateral series for the first time in five years. In the three-match ODI series, Dhoni top-scored for India in all three innings; however, India lost the series 1–2. In the first ODI at [[M. A. Chidambaram Stadium|Chennai]], he helped India recover from 29/5 to help post a total of 227 in 50 overs. Playing a knock of 113 not out, he had a record partnership with [[Ravichandran Ashwin]], although in a losing cause.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Under pressure, Dhoni scores unbeaten century {{!}} ESPNcricinfo.com|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/22102632/pressure-dhoni-scores-unbeaten-century|access-date=23 August 2020|website=www.espncricinfo.com|language=en|archive-date=24 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124210230/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/22102632/pressure-dhoni-scores-unbeaten-century|url-status=live}}</ref>

Winning the [[2013 ICC Champions Trophy]], Dhoni became the first and the only captain in international cricket to claim all [[International Cricket Council|ICC]] trophies. In the rain-shortened final against [[England cricket team|England]], he was out for a duck and thus ending up the tournament with 27 runs from two innings. However, his field placements and tactics came handy, the team was successful beating the opposition by five runs (D/L method).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Full Scorecard of India vs England Final 2013 – Score Report {{!}} ESPNcricinfo.com|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/8081/scorecard/566948/england-vs-india-final-icc-champions-trophy-2013|access-date=6 September 2020|website=www.espncricinfo.com|language=en|archive-date=25 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125083916/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/8081/scorecard/566948/england-vs-india-final-icc-champions-trophy-2013|url-status=live}}</ref> He was also named as captain and wicketkeeper of the 'Team of the Tournament' by the ICC.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/178241|title=ICC announces Team of the Tournament|website=www.icc-cricket.com|access-date=16 July 2019|archive-date=16 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190716214802/https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/178241|url-status=live}}</ref>

Just after the Champions Trophy, India toured [[West Indies]] for a tri-nation tournament against [[West Indies cricket team|West Indies]] and [[Sri Lanka national cricket team|Sri Lanka]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=West Indies Tri-Nation Series 2013, West Indies Tri-Nation Series 2013 score, Match schedules, fixtures, points table, results, news|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/_/id/8663/season/2013/west-indies-tri-nation-series|access-date=2020-11-26|website=www.espncricinfo.com|language=en|archive-date=30 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030152630/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/_/id/8663/season/2013/west-indies-tri-nation-series|url-status=live}}</ref> Dhoni got injured in the start of the tournament itself and got ruled out for the whole tournament. However, despite not having fully recovered, he returned to play the final against Sri Lanka, once again only to find himself become a hero after single-handedly taking India to a victory by just one wicket. Dhoni scored an unbeaten 45 off 52 balls with scoring 16 runs in the final over required for the victory. He was adjudged Man of the match for this performance.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Full Scorecard of Sri Lanka vs India Final 2013 – Score Report {{!}} ESPNcricinfo.com|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/8663/scorecard/597929/india-vs-sri-lanka-final-west-indies-tri-nation-series-2013|access-date=2020-11-26|website=www.espncricinfo.com|language=en|archive-date=13 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113145228/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/8663/scorecard/597929/india-vs-sri-lanka-final-west-indies-tri-nation-series-2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

India toured [[Indian cricket team in South Africa in 2013–14|South Africa]] and [[Indian cricket team in New Zealand in 2013–14|New Zealand]] in the 2013–14 season and ending up losing both series, 0–2 and 0–4, respectively. Against South Africa, Dhoni managed 84 runs at an average of 48.0, including one half-century. Against New Zealand, he managed 272 runs which included three consecutive 50-plus scores. In the third match of the series, his knock of 50 helped India tie the match and eventually avoiding a series whitewash. Meanwhile, he scored his 8000th run in ODI cricket on the tour.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=31 January 2014|title=Dhoni 4th fastest to complete 8,000 ODI runs|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india-in-new-zealand-2014/top-stories/Dhoni-4th-fastest-to-complete-8000-ODI-runs/articleshow/29654294.cms|access-date=23 August 2020|website=The Times of India|language=en|archive-date=20 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220023304/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india-in-new-zealand-2014/top-stories/Dhoni-4th-fastest-to-complete-8000-ODI-runs/articleshow/29654294.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

India won the away ODI series in England in [[Indian cricket team in England in 2014|2014]] by 3–1 and [[West Indian cricket team in India in 2014–15|series]] against West Indies in India by 2–1 margin. Dhoni had a good performance with the bat scoring a half-century in each of the series.{{citation needed|date=February 2019}}

India's preparation, going into the tournament, looked poor as India failed badly in the [[Carlton Mid Triangular Series in Australia in 2014–15|Carlton Mid Triangular Series in Australia]], failing to win a single match. Dhoni himself managed just 70 runs from three innings averaging 23.34.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Cricwaves.com|title=MS Dhoni Player stats for WC Cricket 2015 ODI Series|url=https://www.cricwaves.com/cricket/tour/261/wc-cricket-2015/3/28/ms-dhoni/PlayerStats.html|access-date=31 August 2020|website=Cricwaves|archive-date=11 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411113421/https://www.cricwaves.com/cricket/tour/261/wc-cricket-2015/3/28/ms-dhoni/PlayerStats.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=28 March 2015|first=Gaurav|last=Gupta|title=Team India's World Cup 2015 report card|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/new-zealand-in-india-2016/top-stories/Team-Indias-World-Cup-2015-report-card/articleshow/46722646.cms|access-date=31 August 2020|website=The Times of India|language=en|archive-date=3 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703181242/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/new-zealand-in-india-2016/top-stories/Team-Indias-World-Cup-2015-report-card/articleshow/46722646.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

During the [[2015 Cricket World Cup]], Dhoni became the first Indian captain to win all group stage matches in such a tournament. India achieved wins against arch-rivals [[Pakistan Cricket Team|Pakistan]], [[South Africa national cricket team|South Africa]] (whom they hadn't beaten before in a World Cup game), the [[United Arab Emirates national cricket team|UAE]], [[West Indies cricket team|West Indies]], [[Ireland cricket team|Ireland]] and [[Zimbabwe national cricket team|Zimbabwe]]. In the match against [[Zimbabwe national cricket team|Zimbabwe]] at [[Eden Park]], he made 85 not out chasing 288 and had an unbeaten partnership of 196 with [[Suresh Raina]]. This is the highest score by an Indian captain on New Zealand soil. Beating [[Bangladesh national cricket team|Bangladesh]] in the quarter finals, he became the third overall and the first non-Australian captain to win 100 ODI matches. In an unsuccessful effort against eventual champions Australia in the semi-finals, he made 65 as India were unable to defend their title.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Cricket World Cup 2015: Did MS Dhoni realise that India would lose?|url=https://www.dailyo.in/sports/world-cup-2015-ms-dhoni-virat-kohli-anushka-sharma-stuart-binny/story/1/2818.html|access-date=31 August 2020|website=www.dailyo.in|archive-date=6 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161106134924/http://www.dailyo.in/sports/world-cup-2015-ms-dhoni-virat-kohli-anushka-sharma-stuart-binny/story/1/2818.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Mahendra Singh Dhoni Goes Down Fighting as India Exit World Cup {{!}} Cricket News|url=https://sports.ndtv.com/icc-cricket-world-cup-2015/mahendra-singh-dhoni-goes-down-fighting-as-india-exit-world-cup-1503008|access-date=31 August 2020|website=NDTVSports.com|language=en|archive-date=25 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525062718/https://sports.ndtv.com/icc-cricket-world-cup-2015/mahendra-singh-dhoni-goes-down-fighting-as-india-exit-world-cup-1503008|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Salati|first=Aamir|date=19 January 2016|title=Dhoni's record as ODI captain post-World Cup is poor|url=https://www.india.com/sports/ms-dhonis-record-as-odi-captain-post-world-cup-2015-is-poor-873546/|access-date=31 August 2020|website=India News, Breaking News, Entertainment News {{!}} India.com|language=en|archive-date=2 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002092514/http://www.india.com/sports/ms-dhonis-record-as-odi-captain-post-world-cup-2015-is-poor-873546/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Stepping down as captain and thereafter===

Dhoni stepped down as captain of India in the limited over formats in January 2017, just ahead of the ODI series at [[English cricket team in India in 2016–17|home against England]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/1075558.html|title=MS Dhoni gives up India's ODI and T20 captaincy|work=ESPNcricinfo|date=4 January 2017|access-date=20 January 2017|archive-date=2 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202085723/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/1075558.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the second game of the series, he scored 134 off 122 balls, that included a 256-run partnership for the fourth wicket along with [[Yuvraj Singh]]. The century, his tenth in ODIs, was his first in over three years.<ref>{{cite news|title=India win series with Yuvraj and Dhoni tons|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/1078381.html|access-date=20 January 2017|work=ESPNcricinfo|date=19 January 2017|archive-date=3 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170903123521/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/1078381.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He was named as a wicketkeeper of the 'Team of the Tournament' at the 2017 Champions Trophy by Cricbuzz.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/95290/champions-trophy-2017-team-of-the-tournament|title=Champions Trophy 2017: Team of the tournament|website=Cricbuzz|access-date=24 July 2019|archive-date=24 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724160940/https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/95290/champions-trophy-2017-team-of-the-tournament|url-status=live}}</ref> He was also named in the ODI XI of the year by Cricbuzz.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/99286/odi-xi-of-2017|title=ODI XI of 2017|work=Cricbuzz|access-date=25 July 2019|archive-date=25 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190725180020/https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/99286/odi-xi-of-2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

Dhoni went past 10,000 ODI runs in the second ODI against England during his team's [[Indian cricket team in England in 2018|2018 tour]], and became the fourth Indian and twelfth overall to do so.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/india-in-england/ms-dhoni-becomes-second-wicketkeeper-to-score-10000-odi-runs/articleshow/64991910.cms|title=MS Dhoni becomes the second wicketkeeper to score 10,000 ODI runs|work=The Times of India|access-date=15 July 2018|archive-date=17 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180817015304/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/india-in-england/ms-dhoni-becomes-second-wicketkeeper-to-score-10000-odi-runs/articleshow/64991910.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> He had a relatively mediocre series, having scored 79 runs in two innings at a lowly strike rate of 63.20.<ref>{{cite news |title=Why Dhoni's World Cup place is in doubt |url=https://www.rediff.com/cricket/special/why-dhonis-world-cup-place-is-in-doubt/20180721.htm |access-date=19 January 2019 |work=Rediff |date=21 July 2018 |archive-date=9 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109030004/https://www.rediff.com/cricket/special/why-dhonis-world-cup-place-is-in-doubt/20180721.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=India in England ODI Series, 2018 Cricket Team Records & Stats |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=12032;type=series |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=19 January 2019 |archive-date=26 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626201005/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=12032;type=series |url-status=live }}</ref> This was followed by two poor outings for him in the ODI format; the [[2018 Asia Cup|Asia Cup]] that he finished with 77 runs in four innings at an average of 19.25<ref>{{cite web |title=West Indies series a big one for MS Dhoni ahead of 2019 World Cup: Sourav Ganguly |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/india-vs-west-indies-ms-dhoni-2019-world-cup-sourav-ganguly-1372393-2018-10-21 |website=India Today |access-date=19 January 2019 |language=en |date=21 October 2018 |archive-date=17 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417201439/https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/india-vs-west-indies-ms-dhoni-2019-world-cup-sourav-ganguly-1372393-2018-10-21 |url-status=live }}</ref> and the [[West Indian cricket team in India in 2018–19|home series against West Indies]] where he aggregated 50 runs from three innings.<ref>{{cite web |title=West Indies in India ODI Series, 2018/19 Cricket Team Records & Stats |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=12635;type=series |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=19 January 2019 |archive-date=17 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417212829/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=12635;type=series |url-status=live }}</ref> Dhoni was consequently dropped from the T20I squads for the series that followed and the [[Indian cricket team in Australia in 2018–19|Australia tour]] later that season.<ref>{{cite news |title=MS Dhoni dropped from T20I series against West Indies, Australia |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/west-indies-in-india/ms-dhoni-dropped-from-t20i-series-against-west-indies-australia/articleshow/66384159.cms |access-date=19 January 2019 |work=The Times of India |agency=Press Trust of India |date=27 October 2018 |archive-date=27 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181027032020/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/west-indies-in-india/ms-dhoni-dropped-from-t20i-series-against-west-indies-australia/articleshow/66384159.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> However, he was included in the squad named for the ODI series there.<ref>{{cite news |title=Dhoni named by India for Australia ODIs |url=https://www.cricket.com.au/news/ms-dhoni-india-odi-squad-australia-one-day-series-kohli-rohit-dhawan/2018-12-24 |access-date=19 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190119074728/https://www.cricket.com.au/news/ms-dhoni-india-odi-squad-australia-one-day-series-kohli-rohit-dhawan/2018-12-24 |archive-date=19 January 2019 |work=[[Cricket Australia]] |publisher=cricket.com.au |date=24 December 2018 |language=en}}</ref> In the three-match series, Dhoni found form and scored half-centuries in all three games with the latter two resulting in wins, helping India secure a 2–1 series victory, their first in a bilateral series on Australian soil. Dhoni finished with 193 runs and was named player of the series. He also became the fourth Indian to score more than 1,000 ODI runs there.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rao |first1=Santosh |title=MS Dhoni Becomes Fourth Indian To Achieve Stunning Feat in Australia |url=https://sports.ndtv.com/australia-vs-india-2018-19/india-vs-australia-ms-dhoni-becomes-fourth-indian-to-score-1000-odi-runs-in-australia-1979744 |access-date=19 January 2019 |work=NDTV |date=18 January 2019 |language=en |archive-date=8 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108003306/https://sports.ndtv.com/australia-vs-india-2018-19/india-vs-australia-ms-dhoni-becomes-fourth-indian-to-score-1000-odi-runs-in-australia-1979744 |url-status=live }}</ref>

He announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket on 15 August 2020.

===Test career===

Following his good one-day performance against Sri Lanka, Dhoni replaced [[Dinesh Karthik]] in December 2005 as the Indian teams' Test wicket-keeper.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://content-ind.cricinfo.com/indvsl/content/story/226933.html|title=Ganguly included in Test squad|publisher=[[Cricinfo]]|date=23 November 2005|access-date=18 May 2007|archive-date=12 October 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012215415/http://content-ind.cricinfo.com/indvsl/content/story/226933.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Dhoni scored 30 runs in his debut match, that was marred by rain. Dhoni came to the crease when the team was struggling at 109/5 and as wickets kept falling around him, he played an aggressive innings in which he was the last man to be dismissed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://content-ind.cricinfo.com/indvsl/content/story/228619.html|title=Jayawardene and Vaas star in draw|publisher=[[Cricinfo]]|date=6 December 2005|access-date=18 May 2007|archive-date=12 October 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012215420/http://content-ind.cricinfo.com/indvsl/content/story/228619.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Dhoni made his maiden half-century in the second Test and his quick scoring rate (half century came off 51 balls) helped India set a target of 436 and the Sri Lankans were bowled out for 247.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ind.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2005-06/SL_IN_IND/SCORECARDS/SL_IND_T2_10-14DEC2005.html|title=Scorecard:India v/s Sri Lanka 2nd Test 2005/06 Season|publisher=[[Cricinfo]]|access-date=18 May 2007|archive-date=21 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221092556/http://ind.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2005-06/SL_IN_IND/SCORECARDS/SL_IND_T2_10-14DEC2005.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

 

Dhoni followed up the century with some prosaic batting performances over the next three matches, one against Pakistan that India lost and two against England that had India holding a 1–0 lead. Dhoni was the top scorer in India's first innings in the third Test at [[Wankhede Stadium]] as his 64 helped India post a respectable 279 in reply to England's 400. However, Dhoni and the Indian fielders dropped catches and missed many dismissal chances, including a key stumping opportunity of [[Andrew Flintoff]] (14).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://content-ind.cricinfo.com/indveng/content/current/story/241557.html|title=Epidemic of dropped catches|publisher=[[Cricinfo]]|date=21 March 2006|access-date=18 May 2007|archive-date=4 July 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070704163618/http://content-ind.cricinfo.com/indveng/content/current/story/241557.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Dhoni failed to collect the [[Harbhajan Singh]] delivery cleanly as Flintoff went on to make 36 more runs as England set a target of 313 for the home team, a target that India was never in danger of threatening. A batting collapse saw the team being dismissed for 100 and Dhoni scored just 5 runs and faced criticism for his wicket-keeping lapses as well as his shot selection.

On the fourth day of the first Test match at [[Antigua Recreation Ground]], [[St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda|St John's]], [[Antigua]] during [[Indian cricket team in West Indies in 2006|India's tour of West Indies, 2006]], Dhoni's flick off [[Dave Mohammed]] to the midwicket region was caught by [[Daren Ganga]]. As the batsman started to walk back, captain Dravid declared the innings when the confusion started as the umpires were not certain if the fielder stepped on the ropes and Dhoni stayed for the umpire's verdict. While the replays were inconclusive, the captain of the West Indies side, [[Brian Lara]], wanted Dhoni to walk off based on the fielder's assertion of the catch. The impasse continued for more than 15 minutes and Lara's temper was on display with finger-wagging against the umpires and snatching the ball from umpire [[Asad Rauf]]. Ultimately, Dhoni walked off and Dravid's declaration was effected but the game was delayed, and Lara's action was criticised by the commentators and former players. Lara was summoned by the match referee to give an explanation of his actions but he was not fined.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://content-ind.cricinfo.com/wivind/content/story/249668.html | title='I think you should walk off', Lara told Dhoni | publisher=[[Cricinfo]] | date=11 June 2006 | access-date=11 May 2007 | archive-date=12 October 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012215725/http://content-ind.cricinfo.com/wivind/content/story/249668.html | url-status=live }}</ref>

He played his last series in the 2014–15 season in [[Indian cricket team in Australia in 2014–15|India's tour of Australia]] captaining India in the second and third tests; losing the second and drawing the third, trailing the series 2–0 before the Sydney Test. Following the third Test in [[Melbourne Cricket Ground|Melbourne]], Dhoni announced his retirement from the format.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/Dhoni-retires-from-Test-cricket/article10964560.ece|title=Dhoni retires from Test cricket|work=The Hindu|date=30 December 2014|access-date=2016-09-22|last1=Dinakar|first1=S.}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title= Mahendra Singh Dhoni Retires from Test Cricket |url= http://sports.ndtv.com/australia-vs-india-2014-15/news/235244-mahendra-singh-dhoni-retires-from-test-cricket |publisher= NDTVsports.com |date= 30 December 2014 |access-date= 30 December 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141230123902/http://sports.ndtv.com/australia-vs-india-2014-15/news/235244-mahendra-singh-dhoni-retires-from-test-cricket |archive-date= 30 December 2014 |url-status= dead }}</ref> In his last Test, he effected nine dismissals (eight catches and a stumping), and in the process, went past [[Kumar Sangakkara]] in the record for [[Dismissal (cricket)|stumpings]] with 134 (in all three formats combined).<ref>{{cite web |title= Dhoni rewrites record for most stumpings |url= http://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/indias-tour-of-australia-australiaindia-test-series-melbourne-test/article6730772.ece |work= The Hindu |date= 27 December 2014 |access-date= 18 December 2014 |archive-date= 10 January 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160110205824/http://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/indias-tour-of-australia-australiaindia-test-series-melbourne-test/article6730772.ece |url-status= live }}</ref> He also set a record for effecting the most dismissals in a match by an [[List of India Test wicket-keepers|Indian wicketkeeper]] until it was broken by [[Wriddhiman Saha]] in 2018.<ref>{{cite news|title=Wriddhiman Saha breaks MS Dhoni's record of most dismissals by an Indian wicketkeeper in a Test|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/india-in-south-africa/wriddhiman-saha-breaks-ms-dhonis-record-of-most-dismissals-by-an-indian-wicketkeeper-in-a-test/articleshow/62415996.cms|access-date=15 January 2018|work=The Times of India|date=8 January 2018|archive-date=9 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180109010230/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/india-in-south-africa/wriddhiman-saha-breaks-ms-dhonis-record-of-most-dismissals-by-an-indian-wicketkeeper-in-a-test/articleshow/62415996.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> He finished his last innings unbeaten making 24 runs.

 

 

 

 

He was named as captain and wicketkeeper of the 'Team of the Tournament' for the 2014 T20 World Cup by the ICC.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/180042|title=ICC announces men's ICC World Twenty20 BD 2014 Team of the Tournament|website=www.icc-cricket.com|access-date=16 July 2019|archive-date=16 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190716223104/https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/180042|url-status=live}}</ref>

 

MS Dhoni was chosen to lead India in first-ever [[2007 ICC World Twenty20|World T20 in 2007]]. He made his captaincy debut against Scotland but the match was washed off. Thereon, he led India to the ICC World Twenty 20 trophy in South Africa, with a victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in an intensely fought final on 24 September 2007, and became the second Indian captain to have won a World Cup in any form of cricket, after [[Kapil Dev]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=24 September 2020|title=On This Day: MS Dhoni leads India to maiden World T20 win with memorable triumph over Pakistan|url=https://www.firstpost.com/firstcricket/sports-news/on-this-day-ms-dhoni-leads-india-to-maiden-world-t20-win-with-memorable-triumph-over-pakistan-8847001.html|access-date=5 January 2021|website=Firstpost|archive-date=6 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210106162841/https://www.firstpost.com/firstcricket/sports-news/on-this-day-ms-dhoni-leads-india-to-maiden-world-t20-win-with-memorable-triumph-over-pakistan-8847001.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

 

Dhoni announced his retirement from international cricket on 15 August 2020 on the day of India's 74th independence.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1281004 |title=MS Dhoni retires from all international cricket |work=International Cricket Council |access-date=15 August 2020 |archive-date=1 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101022148/https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1281004 |url-status=live }}</ref> He did so by posting a video on Instagram that contained pictures from both the best and the worst moments of his career with the song ''Mai Pal do Pal ka Shayar Hoon'' playing in the background. The video had been captioned as ''"Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout.from 1929 hrs consider me as Retired"''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=M S Dhoni on Instagram: "Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout. From 1929 hrs consider me as Retired"|url=https://www.instagram.com/tv/CD6ZQn1lGBi/|access-date=23 August 2020|website=Instagram|language=en}}</ref>

 

In November 2020, Dhoni was nominated for the ICC Men's ODI Cricketer of the Decade and ICC Spirit of Cricket Award of the Decade.<ref>{{cite web|title=ICC Awards of the Decade announced|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/media-releases/1908769|access-date=25 November 2020|work=International Cricket Council|archive-date=20 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120224617/https://www.icc-cricket.com/media-releases/1908769|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/30385388/virat-kohli,-kane-williamson,-steven-smith,-joe-root-nominated-icc-men-cricketer-decade-award |title=Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Steven Smith, Joe Root nominated for ICC men's cricketer of the decade award |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=25 November 2020 |archive-date=1 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201025800/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/30385388/virat-kohli,-kane-williamson,-steven-smith,-joe-root-nominated-icc-men-cricketer-decade-award |url-status=live }}</ref> Eventually, Dhoni was voted as winner of the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award of the Decade.<ref>{{cite web|title=MS Dhoni voted as winner of the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award of the Decade|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1956674|date=27 December 2020|access-date=9 September 2021|work=International Cricket Council}}</ref>

 

MS Dhoni has been roped in as mentor of [[India national cricket team|Indian cricket team]] for the [[2021 ICC Men's T20 World Cup]] in [[UAE]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2245779|title=Ashwin included in India's T20 World Cup squad, Dhoni roped in as mentor|work=International Cricket Council|access-date=2021-09-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2246821|title='He agreed to mentor India for World Cup' – Shah on Dhoni appointment|work=International Cricket Council|access-date=2021-09-08}}</ref> This will be Dhoni's first engagement with Team India after the [[2019 Cricket World Cup knockout stage#Semi-finals|Cricket World 2019 Semi-final]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/india-s-2021-t20-world-cup-squad-r-ashwin-picked-ms-dhoni-named-mentor-1276821|title=India's T20 World Cup squad: R Ashwin picked, MS Dhoni named mentor|work=ESPN Cricinfo|access-date=2021-09-09}}</ref>

==Indian captaincy==

Dhoni was named the captain of Indian squad for the inaugural [[2007 ICC World Twenty20|ICC World Twenty20]] held in South Africa in September 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cricketworld.com/internationalcricketnews/india//article/?aid=12703 |title=Dhoni Named Captain of India Twenty20 Squad |publisher=cricketworld.com |date=7 August 2007 |access-date=19 December 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100106151716/http://www.cricketworld.com/internationalcricketnews/india/ |archive-date=6 January 2010 }}</ref> India were crowned champions as Dhoni led the team to victory against [[Pakistan cricket team|Pakistan]] in a thrilling contest.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/09/25/stories/2007092558602100.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080919054003/http://www.hindu.com/2007/09/25/stories/2007092558602100.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 September 2008|title=India crowned champion after a pulsating contest|location=India | date=25 September 2007 |work=[[The Hindu]]| access-date=19 December 2009}}</ref> He went on to become the ODI captain of the Indian team for the seven-match ODI series against [[Australian cricket team|Australia]] in September 2007.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/topNews/idINIndia-29597020070918|title=India name Dhoni one day Captain|publisher=reuters_india|date=18 September 2007|access-date=19 December 2009|archive-date=3 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703181233/https://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idINIndia-29597020070918?edition-redirect=in|url-status=live}}</ref> He made his debut as full-time Test captain of India during the fourth and final Test against Australia at Nagpur in November 2008, replacing [[Anil Kumble]] who was injured in the third test and who then announced his retirement. Dhoni was vice-captain in this series up to that point.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chitramala.com/news/kumble-retires-109225.html |title=Kumble retires, Dhoni named Test captain |publisher=chitramala.com |date=2 November 2008 |access-date=19 December 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091221175327/http://www.chitramala.com/news/kumble-retires-109225.html |archive-date=21 December 2009 }}</ref> India eventually won that Test, thus clinching the series 2–0 and regained the [[Border-Gavaskar Trophy]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=India win series 2–0, regain Border-Gavaskar Trophy {{!}} Cricket News|url=https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/india-win-series-2-0-regain-border-gavaskar-trophy-1602480|access-date=6 September 2020|website=NDTVSports.com|language=en|archive-date=3 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703181250/https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/india-win-series-2-0-regain-border-gavaskar-trophy-1602480|url-status=live}}</ref> Dhoni had previously captained India on a stand-in basis against [[South Africa cricket team|South Africa]] and Australia, in 2008 and 2009 respectively.

It was under his captaincy that India climbed to No. 1 in the ICC Test Rankings in December 2009.<ref>{{Cite web|date=7 December 2009|first=K. Shriniwas|last=Rao|title=Finally, Team India is No.1 in Test cricket|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sri-lanka-in-india-2009/top-stories/Finally-Team-India-is-No-1-in-Test-cricket/articleshow/5308844.cms|access-date=19 September 2020|website=The Times of India|language=en|archive-date=25 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225080128/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sri-lanka-in-india-2009/top-stories/Finally-Team-India-is-No-1-in-Test-cricket/articleshow/5308844.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> After that, India had clean sweep victories against Bangladesh<ref>{{Cite web|title=India in Bangladesh Test Series, 2010 schedule, live scores and results|url=https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-series/1606/india-in-bangladesh-test-series-2010/matches|access-date=19 September 2020|website=Cricbuzz|language=en|archive-date=3 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703181242/https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-series/1606/india-in-bangladesh-test-series-2010/matches|url-status=live}}</ref> and Australia.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Dhoni praises bowlers for clean sweep|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/22509260/ms-dhoni-praises-bowlers-clean-sweep|access-date=19 September 2020|website=www.espncricinfo.com|language=en|archive-date=6 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190106210711/http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/22509260/ms-dhoni-praises-bowlers-clean-sweep|url-status=live}}</ref> The series against South Africa, who are considered one of the best touring teams in the world,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Overseas masters|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/21811305/south-africa-mastery-overseas-conditions|access-date=19 September 2020|website=www.espncricinfo.com|language=en|archive-date=3 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703181235/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/numbers-game-south-africa-s-mastery-of-overseas-conditions-684667|url-status=live}}</ref> was drawn 1–1.<ref>{{Cite web|title='We've come up with our heads above water' – Smith|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/22652761/we-come-our-heads-water-graeme-smith|access-date=19 September 2020|website=www.espncricinfo.com|language=en|archive-date=17 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217093211/http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/22652761/we-come-our-heads-water-graeme-smith|url-status=live}}</ref> India also came close to defeating South Africa in South Africa in early 2011 before Kallis' twin hundreds ensured that the series ended at 1–1.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kallis' superhuman effort deflates India|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/13027/report/463148/south-africa-vs-india-3rd-test-india-tour-of-south-africa-2010-11|access-date=19 September 2020|website=www.espncricinfo.com|language=en|archive-date=30 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030014734/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/13027/report/463148/south-africa-vs-india-3rd-test-india-tour-of-south-africa-2010-11|url-status=live}}</ref>

After winning the [[2011 ICC Cricket World Cup]] final against Sri Lanka on 2 April 2011, with his match-winning knock of unbeaten 91, Tendulkar heaped praises on Dhoni, claiming him to be the best captain he has played under. Tendulkar mentioned that it was Dhoni's calm influence that was rubbing off on all his teammates and described Dhoni's handling of pressure as incredible.

Only eleven players have captained ten or more Tests playing as a wicket-keeper. Dhoni leads the table with 60&nbsp;Tests as captain, 35 ahead of [[Mushfiqur Rahim]] in second place.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats/index.html?captain=1;class=1;filter=advanced;keeper=1;orderby=matches;qualmin1=10;qualval1=matches;template=results;type=allround |title=Statistics / Statsguru / Test matches / All-round records: Tests as wicketkeeper |publisher=Cricinfo |access-date=9 February 2017 |archive-date=20 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170620163040/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats/index.html?captain=1;class=1;filter=advanced;keeper=1;orderby=matches;qualmin1=10;qualval1=matches;template=results;type=allround |url-status=live }}</ref>

In March 2013, Dhoni became the most successful Indian Test captain when he eclipsed [[Sourav Ganguly]]'s record of 21 victories from 49 Tests.<ref name=" Wisden India">{{cite news| url=http://www.wisdenindia.com/cricket-news/dhoni-moves-ganguly-22nd-win/53422| title=Dhoni moves ahead of Ganguly with 22nd win| publisher=Wisden India| date=5 March 2013| access-date=5 March 2013| archive-date=31 July 2018| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731165133/http://www.wisdenindia.com/cricket-news/dhoni-moves-ganguly-22nd-win/53422| url-status=live}}</ref> Ganguly also said in an interview to a news channel that Dhoni is the all-time greatest captain of India and he has a great record to support this credential.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Dhoni the greatest Indian captain – Ganguly|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/22453861/dhoni-greatest-indian-captain-ganguly|access-date=19 September 2020|website=www.espncricinfo.com|language=en|archive-date=12 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190712031817/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/22453861/dhoni-greatest-indian-captain-ganguly|url-status=live}}</ref>

In June 2013, [[Indian national cricket team|India]] won [[2013 ICC Champions Trophy]] under Dhoni's captaincy, beating [[England cricket team|England]] by five runs in the final, after a semi-final victory over [[Sri Lanka national cricket team|Sri Lanka]] and defeating [[South Africa cricket team|South Africa]], [[West Indies cricket team|West Indies]] and [[Pakistan cricket team|Pakistan]] in the group stages.<ref>{{Cite web|title=ICC Champions Trophy: India's Journey To Triumph in 2013, A Look back {{!}} Cricket News|url=https://sports.ndtv.com/icc-champions-trophy-2017/icc-champions-trophy-indias-journey-to-triumph-in-2013-a-look-back-1706154|access-date=16 September 2020|website=NDTVSports.com|language=en|archive-date=27 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127074155/https://sports.ndtv.com/icc-champions-trophy-2017/icc-champions-trophy-indias-journey-to-triumph-in-2013-a-look-back-1706154|url-status=live}}</ref>

In August 2016, Dhoni was selected as captain for India's first tour to the United States, where India played two T20Is against the West Indies in [[Central Broward Regional Park|Lauderhill, Florida]].<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/west-indies-v-india-2016/content/squad/1045463.html| title=Dhoni leads India in the US| publisher=ESPN Cricinfo| date=12 August 2016| access-date=13 August 2016| archive-date=10 February 2020| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200210202439/http://www.espncricinfo.com/west-indies-v-india-2016/content/squad/1045463.html| url-status=live}}</ref> India lost the first match on 27 August 2016, during which Dhoni surpassed former Australian captain [[Ricky Ponting]] to become the most experienced captain in international cricket.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/283427.html|title=Most Experienced Captain in International Cricket.|access-date=28 August 2016|archive-date=11 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611020542/https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/283427.html|url-status=live}}</ref> During [[2018 Asia Cup]] in India's last Super Four match, against Afghanistan, captain [[Rohit Sharma]] and vice-captain [[Shikhar Dhawan]] were both rested for the match. He was named the captain of the side in their absence, and became the first cricketer to lead India 200 times in ODIs.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/asia-cup-2018-ms-dhoni-creates-history-leads-india-for-200th-time/story-rWefNdxoLUZx4OukUqlnaK.html |title=Asia Cup 2018: MS Dhoni creates history, leads India for 200th time |work=Hindustan Times |access-date=25 September 2018 |date=25 September 2018 |archive-date=25 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225011747/https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/asia-cup-2018-ms-dhoni-creates-history-leads-india-for-200th-time/story-rWefNdxoLUZx4OukUqlnaK.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

As captain of the Indian cricket team, Dhoni has seldom been suspended due to his team's slow over-rate. In December 2009, he was suspended for two ODI matches against Sri Lanka by ICC match referee [[Jeff Crowe]] as India was three overs short of the specified rate; [[Virender Sehwag]] acted as captain for the two matches in Cuttack and Kolkata.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/sport/report_mahendra-singh-dhoni-banned-for-2-odis-sehwag-to-lead_1325203 |title=Mahendra Singh Dhoni banned for 2 ODIs, Sehwag to lead – Sport – DNA |publisher=Dnaindia.com |date=19 December 2009 |access-date=24 February 2012 |archive-date=22 December 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091222093542/http://www.dnaindia.com/sport/report_mahendra-singh-dhoni-banned-for-2-odis-sehwag-to-lead_1325203 |url-status=live }}</ref> In January 2012 Dhoni was banned for the fourth Test match against Australia in [[Adelaide]] as India was two overs short during the third Test in [[Indian cricket team in Australia in 2011–12#3rd Test|Perth]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cricindia.co.in/1/post/2012/01/dhoni-faces-ban-from-adelaide-test-for-team-indias-slow-over-rate-at-perth.html-+News |title=Dhoni faces ban from Adelaide Test for Team India's slow over rate at Perth – CricIndia – Following Indian Cricket |publisher=CricIndia |date=15 January 2012 |access-date=24 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302082153/http://www.cricindia.co.in/1/post/2012/01/dhoni-faces-ban-from-adelaide-test-for-team-indias-slow-over-rate-at-perth.html-+News |archive-date=2 March 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Sehwag captained the team in the [[Indian cricket team in Australia in 2011–12#4th Test|Adelaide test]] and [[Wriddhiman Saha]] kept the wickets. In the CB Series in February, Dhoni again faced a one-match ban for slow over rate against Australia.<ref>{{cite web|date=19 February 2012|title=Dhoni banned for one ODI after India's second over-rate offence|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india-in-australia/top-stories/Dhoni-banned-for-one-ODI-after-Indias-second-over-rate-offence/articleshow/11951298.cms|access-date=6 May 2016|work=[[The Times of India]]|archive-date=26 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626201005/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india-in-australia/top-stories/Dhoni-banned-for-one-ODI-after-Indias-second-over-rate-offence/articleshow/11951298.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/ms-dhoni-best-white-ball-captain-of-this-era/articleshow/71497785.cms|title=MS Dhoni best white-ball captain of this era: Michael Vaughan – Times of India|website=The Times of India|access-date=9 October 2019|archive-date=17 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191117191250/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/ms-dhoni-best-white-ball-captain-of-this-era/articleshow/71497785.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

==World Cup==

Dhoni has captained India in two [[Cricket World Cup|World Cups]]. Under his captaincy, India won the World Cup in 2011 and reached the semifinals in 2015.

===2007 Cricket World Cup===

Dhoni played his first ODI World Cup in 2007 in the Caribbean. India made an early exit from the tournament in the Group Stage. In [[2007 Cricket World Cup]], India was placed in Group B with [[Sri Lanka national cricket team|Sri Lanka]], [[Bangladesh national cricket team|Bangladesh]] and [[Bermuda national cricket team|Bermuda]]. [[Rahul Dravid]] captained the team in this World Cup. In three matches India played, they managed to win only one against Bermuda while losing the rest from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. In their first match against Bangladesh, India was all out in just 191 in 49.3 overs. Dhoni was out for 0. He stumped [[Tamim Iqbal]], [[Shakib Al Hasan]] and captain [[Habibul Bashar]] in the match but, India lost by 5 wickets. In the next match against Bermuda, India posted the then Highest Score in the World Cup 413/5 in a must-win match. Dhoni scored 29 off 25 Balls which includes Two 4s and One 6. India won the match by 257 runs. India was required to win their last group match against the Lankans, but they lost by 69 runs. Chasing the target of 255, India crumbled to 185 all out in 43.3 overs. Dhoni was dismissed for 0 for the second time in the tournament, off his first ball by [[Muttiah Muralitharan]]. Thus, India was out of the world cup in the first round. The Team was heavily criticized for its performance. Dhoni's under-construction house in [[Ranchi]] was attacked by some 200 fans after the Bangladesh loss.

===2011 Cricket World Cup===

[[File:MS Dhoni fielding.jpg|thumb|MS Dhoni in fielding practice]]

Under Dhoni's captaincy, India won the [[2011 Cricket World Cup|2011 World Cup]]. In the [[2011 Cricket World Cup Final|final]] against Sri Lanka, chasing 275, Dhoni promoted himself up the batting order, coming before an in-form [[Yuvraj Singh]]. When he came to bat, India needed more than six runs per over with three top-order batsmen already dismissed. He started building a good partnership with [[Gautam Gambhir]]. Due to good strokeplay and active running between wickets, they kept up with the required run rate. Dhoni was on 60 off 60 balls but later accelerated with a greater frequency of [[Boundary (cricket)|boundaries]], ending with 91 not out off 79 balls. Befitting the occasion, he finished the match off in style with a huge six over long-on off bowler [[Nuwan Kulasekara]] and won the Man of the Match award. Later in the post-match presentation, he admitted that he came up the order so as to counter the [[Muttiah Muralitharan|Muralitharan]] spin threat, as he was very familiar with Murali's bowling, who was his teammate in the [[Indian Premier League]] (IPL) franchise [[Chennai Super Kings]]. He had come after the dismissal of [[Virat Kohli]], also a right-handed batsman. By partnering with the left-handed Gambhir, he ensured a right-left combination at the crease that makes it difficult for bowlers to settle into a rhythm.

The bat used by Dhoni in the final match was sold for {{INR}} 72 Lac. The money goes to Sakshi Rawat Foundation, operated by Dhoni's wife Sakshi Rawat to help orphan children.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/sports-news/dhonis-world-cup-bat-sold-for-rs-72-lakhs-at-auction-120337 |title=Dhoni's world cup bat sold for Rs. 72 lakhs |publisher=Ndtv.com |date=19 July 2011 |access-date=9 May 2012 |archive-date=7 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007225807/http://www.ndtv.com/article/sports-news/dhonis-world-cup-bat-sold-for-rs-72-lakhs-at-auction-120337 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===2015 Cricket World Cup===

For the [[2015 Cricket World Cup|2015 World Cup]] held in Australia and New Zealand, Dhoni was named the captain of the 30-member squad by the BCCI in December 2014.<ref>{{cite web |title= India announce preliminary 30-man World Cup squad |url= http://www.icc-cricket.com/cricket-world-cup/news/2014/qualifier/83370/india-announce-preliminary-30-man-world-cup-squad |publisher= icc-cricket.com |date= 4 December 2014 |access-date= 27 March 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150715165652/http://www.icc-cricket.com/cricket-world-cup/news/2014/qualifier/83370/india-announce-preliminary-30-man-world-cup-squad |archive-date= 15 July 2015}}</ref> Under his captaincy, India was able to go through to the semi-finals with ease, beating Bangladesh in the quarter-finals. However, they lost to host Australia in the semi-finals held at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The team won 7 consecutive matches in this world cup and won 11 consecutive matches overall in world cups. With the win against Bangladesh, he became the first non-Australian captain to win 100 ODI matches, and the first Indian captain to achieve the mark. He is also the third captain to win 100 matches, after two Australians, [[Ricky Ponting]], and [[Allan Border]].<ref name="BBC Sport">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cricket/31948172|title=India beat Bangladesh to reach Cricket World Cup semi-finals|publisher=BBC Sport|date=19 March 2015|access-date=19 March 2015|archive-date=10 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151010222442/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cricket/31948172|url-status=live}}</ref>

===2019 Cricket World Cup===

Dhoni was named in the 15-man squad for the [[2019 Cricket World Cup]] held in [[England and Wales]]. Dhoni scored some handy knocks in the tournament against [[South Africa national cricket team|South Africa]], [[Australia national cricket team|Australia]], and [[West Indies cricket team|West Indies]], although he was criticised for his strike rate and 'lack of intent' in the match against [[Afghanistan national cricket team|Afghanistan]] and [[England cricket team|England]]. In the semi-final against [[New Zealand national cricket team|New Zealand]], Dhoni scored a fighting half-century in the second innings but was unfortunately run out at a crucial stage thus ending India's World Cup run.

Dhoni was contracted by the [[Chennai Super Kings]] for US$1.5&nbsp;million. This made him the most expensive player in the [[Indian Premier League|IPL]] for the first season auctions.<ref>[[Ipl 2008#Player auctions]]</ref> Under his captaincy, Chennai Super Kings won the [[2010 Indian Premier League|2010]] and [[2011 Indian Premier League|2011]] and [[2018 Indian Premier League]] titles and the [[2010 Champions League Twenty20|2010]] and [[2014 Champions League Twenty20|2014 Champions League T20]] titles.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/21145684/democracy-xi-rajdeep-sardesai|title=MS Dhoni: Indian cricket's first mega-brand|date=25 October 2017|website=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=26 October 2017|archive-date=11 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111224912/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/21145684/democracy-xi-rajdeep-sardesai|url-status=live}}</ref>

MS Dhoni became the first player to play 200 T20 matches for Chennai Super Kings. The former India captain is already on top of the list of most matches played in the Indian Premier League.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=DelhiApril 16|first1=Rohan Sen New|last2=April 16|first2=2021UPDATED|last3=Ist|first3=2021 22:13|title=IPL 2021: MS Dhoni becomes 1st player to feature in 200 T20 matches for Chennai Super Kings|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/ipl-2021/story/ms-dhoni-200-matches-csk-t20-indian-premier-league-records-pbks-vs-csk-1791801-2021-04-16|access-date=2021-08-29|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref> Mahendra Singh Dhoni is also one of the only three captains to have won the Indian Premier League twice, with Chennai Super Kings.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=February 19|first1=India Today Web Desk|last2=February 19|first2=2017UPDATED|last3=Ist|first3=2017 16:53|title=MS Dhoni as Indian Premier League skipper: Two titles, 83 wins|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/ms-dhoni-rps-csk-captain-ipl-2017-961451-2017-02-19|access-date=2021-08-29|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref>

 

After the suspension of CSK for two years, he was bought by [[Rising Pune Supergiant]] for US$1.9&nbsp; million in 2016, and was named captain. However, his team finished in 7th place. In 2017, his team reached the final, where they lost to [[Mumbai Indians]].

 

In the [[2018 Indian Premier League|2018 IPL season]], Chennai Super Kings returned to IPL, and Dhoni was again selected to lead the franchise. Dhoni scored 455 runs in the tournament and led his side to their third IPL title.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/8048/report/1136620/chennai-super-kings-vs-sunrisers-hyderabad-final-indian-premier-league-2018|title=Final (N), Indian Premier League at Mumbai, May 27 2018 {{!}} Match Report {{!}} ESPNCricinfo|website=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=28 May 2018|archive-date=29 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029092150/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/8048/report/1136620/chennai-super-kings-vs-sunrisers-hyderabad-final-indian-premier-league-2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

 

Dhoni is a right-handed [[batsman]] and [[wicket-keeper]]. Dhoni is an unorthodox batsman, his playing style was always remained unusual. In second half of 2010s he used more hard hitting and bottom hand strokes. He holds bat firmly and try to connect the ball and try to hit ball flat while clearing boundary rather then hit high.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ragav|first=S. Dipak|title=Unorthodox Dhoni shows his method of big hitting|url=https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/unorthodox-dhoni-shows-his-method-of-big-hitting/article19332978.ece|access-date=2021-10-11|website=Sportstar|language=en}}</ref>

 

Initially, Dhoni appeared as a lower-order attacking batsman but he gradually changed his playing style to deal with high-pressure scenarios and his growing responsibility as a captain. He is a powerful hitter of the ball and is one of the fastest men in running between the wickets.<ref>{{Cite web|date=7 February 2017|title=10 fastest runners in the cricket world|url=https://cricket.yahoo.net/news/10-fastest-runners-cricket-world-144800169|access-date=22 December 2020|website=[[Yahoo! Cricket]]|archive-date=14 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210314091938/https://cricket.yahoo.net/news/10-fastest-runners-cricket-world-144800169|url-status=live}}</ref> He made use of the [[helicopter shot]] technique,<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Sheringham|first1=Sam|title=World T20 cricket: Dilscoops, helicopter shots and the gangnam|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/19877241|access-date=4 June 2020|work=[[BBC Sport Online]]|publisher=[[BBC North]]|date=9 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604164314/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/19877241|archive-date=4 June 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> taught to him by fellow player and childhood friend [[Santosh Lal]].<ref>{{Cite web|author1=Srihari|title=The tragic story of Santosh Lal – MS Dhoni's friend and the inventor of the helicopter shot|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/tragic-story-santosh-lal-dhonis-friend-inventor-helicopter-shot|website=[[Sportskeeda]]|publisher=Absolute Sports|access-date=4 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604170544/https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/tragic-story-santosh-lal-dhonis-friend-inventor-helicopter-shot|archive-date=4 June 2020|date=3 October 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Jharkhand cricketer Santosh Lal dies aged 29|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/21877162/jharkhand-cricketer-santosh-lal-dies-aged-29|website=[[ESPNcricinfo]]|publisher=[[ESPN Inc.]]|access-date=4 June 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200604173648/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/29254377/shane-warne-birthday-wishes-certain-waugh|archive-date=4 June 2020|date=18 July 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

 

His wicket-keeping skill is widely praised by cricket experts.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Scroll Staff|title=Pause, rewind, play: A look at MS Dhoni's unmatched brilliance behind the stumps|url=https://scroll.in/field/966681/pause-rewind-play-mahendra-singh-dhonis-unmatched-brilliance-behind-the-stumps|access-date=2021-09-05|website=Scroll.in|language=en-US}}</ref> He has a world record for the highest number of stumpings by any wicket-keeper.<ref>{{Cite web|date=16 August 2020|title=7 MS Dhoni records unlikely to be broken anytime soon|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/7-ms-dhoni-records-unlikely-broken-anytime-soon|access-date=22 December 2020|website=www.sportskeeda.com|archive-date=1 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001121335/https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/7-ms-dhoni-records-unlikely-broken-anytime-soon|url-status=live}}</ref> He is the main wicket-keeper in the team but he occasionally bowls as a medium-fast bowler.

 

Dhoni married Sakshi Singh Rawat, his schoolmate in DAV Jawahar Vidya Mandir, Shyamali and  a native of [[Dehradun]], [[Uttarakhand]], on 4 July 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/dhoni-weds-sakshi/specialcoverage/6129940.cms|title=Dhoni weds Sakshi – News Stories, Latest News Headlines on Times of India|access-date=10 November 2014|archive-date=5 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705120715/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/dhoni-weds-sakshi/specialcoverage/6129940.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getFiles.asp?Style=OliveXLib:LowLevelEntityToPrint_TOI&Type=text/html&Locale=english-skin-custom&Path=TOIKM/2010/07/06&ID=Ar02102|title=MS Dhoni's wife Sakshi Singh Rawat is an incurable romantic with little interest in cricket|access-date=3 July 2021|archive-date=19 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019005811/http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getFiles.asp?Style=OliveXLib%3ALowLevelEntityToPrint_TOI&Type=text%2Fhtml&Locale=english-skin-custom&Path=TOIKM%2F2010%2F07%2F06&ID=Ar02102|url-status=live}}</ref> At the time of their marriage, she was studying hotel management and was working as a trainee at the [[Taj Bengal]], Kolkata. After the retirement of Sakshi's father from his tea growing business, their family shifted to their native place, Dehradun.<ref>{{Cite web|date=28 October 2020|title=Sakshi Dhoni 'misses' A Special Place In India; Shares Picture|url=https://www.republicworld.com/entertainment-news/others/sakshi-dhoni-misses-a-special-place-in-india-shares-picture.html|access-date=5 January 2021|website=www.republicworld.com|archive-date=1 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101080215/https://www.republicworld.com/entertainment-news/others/sakshi-dhoni-misses-a-special-place-in-india-shares-picture.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

 

The wedding took place one day after the couple got engaged.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Sports/Cricket/Top-Stories/Dhoni-to-wed-tonight-BCCI-bigwigs-teammates-in-attendance/articleshow/6127123.cms |title=Dhoni set to tie knot on Sunday evening |work=The Times of India |date=4 July 2010 |access-date=20 December 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100708211824/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Sports/Cricket/Top-Stories/Dhoni-to-wed-tonight-BCCI-bigwigs-teammates-in-attendance/articleshow/6127123.cms |archive-date=8 July 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/bollywood/news/2010/dhoni-sakshi-wedding-050710.html |title=Dhoni marries girlfriend in a hush hush manner |publisher=Entertainment.oneindia.in |date=5 July 2010 |access-date=20 December 2010 |archive-date=15 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715042440/http://entertainment.oneindia.in/bollywood/news/2010/dhoni-sakshi-wedding-050710.html |url-status=live }}</ref> According to Bollywood actress [[Bipasha Basu]], a close friend of Dhoni, the wedding was planned for months and was not a spur of the moment decision.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2010/07/05/6408/index.html |title=Dhoni's wedding was planned |publisher=Bollywoodhungama.com |date=5 July 2010 |access-date=20 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100708145753/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2010/07/05/6408/index.html |archive-date=8 July 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Dhoni became a father on 6 February 2015 to a baby girl named Ziva. At the time of her birth, Dhoni was in Australia as the captain of the Indian team with [[2015 Cricket World Cup]] only a week away. He decided not to travel back to India and was famously quoted saying that "I am on national duty, other things can wait."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/sport/39-i-am-on-national-duty-so-everything-else-can-wait-39/cid/1480803#:~:text=Calcutta%3A%20For%20India%20captain%20Mahendra,serving%20the%20nation%20comes%20first.|title=I am on national duty, so everything else can wait|access-date=14 June 2020|archive-date=14 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614155949/https://www.telegraphindia.com/sport/39-i-am-on-national-duty-so-everything-else-can-wait-39/cid/1480803#:~:text=Calcutta%3A%20For%20India%20captain%20Mahendra,serving%20the%20nation%20comes%20first.|url-status=live}}</ref>

 

Dhoni is an admirer of Indian army, in his childhood he wanted to join Indian army. During spending a day with [[Parachute Regiment (India)|parachute regiment]] in Ranchi, Dhoni said in "Since childhood I wanted to join the Army. Seeing the soldiers, I thought that one day I'll be the same". He also said he wanted to become a soldier not a Cricketer.<ref>{{Cite web|title=I wanted to become a soldier, not a cricketer: Dhoni - Sports News , Firstpost|url=http://www.firstpost.com/sports/i-wanted-to-become-a-soldier-not-a-cricketer-dhoni-1147527.html|access-date=2021-10-11|website=Firstpost|date=2 October 2013|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2013-10-02|title=Wanted to become a soldier, became cricketer: Dhoni|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/content/360675/wanted-become-soldier-became-cricketer.html|access-date=2021-10-11|website=Deccan Herald|language=en}}</ref> In the childhood he use to visit army contonment to see soldiers. <ref>{{Cite web|last1=RanchiOctober 3|first1=Mail Today Bureau|last2=October 3|first2=2013UPDATED|last3=Ist|first3=2013 04:21|title=An unfulfilled ambition of Indian skipper MS Dhoni|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/an-unfulfilled-ambition-of-indian-skipper-ms-dhoni-213026-2013-10-03|access-date=2021-10-11|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref>

 

{{Trivia|date=September 2021}}

* Under Dhoni's captaincy, India topped the Test cricket rankings for the first time, in 2009.<ref>{{cite news|title=India top Test cricket rankings for first time after Sri Lanka defeat|date=6 December 2009|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/cricket/international/india/6741711/India-top-Test-cricket-rankings-for-first-time-after-Sri-Lanka-defeat.html|work=The Telegraph|access-date=2 February 2017|archive-date=9 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171209005201/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/cricket/international/india/6741711/India-top-Test-cricket-rankings-for-first-time-after-Sri-Lanka-defeat.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

* Dhoni has the most overseas Test defeats by an Indian captain, with 15.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.ndtv.com/new-zealand-vs-india-2014/news/220750-mahendra-singh-dhoni-indias-worst-test-captain-away-from-home|title=Mahendra Singh Dhoni: India's worst Test captain away from home|publisher=ndtv.com|date=11 February 2014|access-date=7 August 2014|archive-date=14 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140314211057/http://sports.ndtv.com/new-zealand-vs-india-2014/news/220750-mahendra-singh-dhoni-indias-worst-test-captain-away-from-home|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats/index.html?class=1;filter=advanced;groupby=captains;home_or_away=2;home_or_away=3;orderby=lost;team=6;template=results;type=team |title=Statistics / Statsguru / Test matches / Team records |publisher=Stats.espncricinfo.com |access-date=7 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141214140135/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats/index.html?class=1%3Bfilter%3Dadvanced%3Bgroupby%3Dcaptains%3Bhome_or_away%3D2%3Bhome_or_away%3D3%3Borderby%3Dlost%3Bteam%3D6%3Btemplate%3Dresults%3Btype%3Dteam |archive-date=14 December 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/717639.html|title=New Zealand pace attack on a high|date=9 February 2014|publisher=Espncricinfo.com|access-date=7 August 2014|archive-date=24 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924003036/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/717639.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

* Dhoni is the first Indian wicket-keeper to complete 4,000 Test runs.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/slideshow/look-at-ms-dhonis-test-records-cricket |title=Records of MS Dhoni in Test Cricket |publisher=Sportskeeda.com |date=30 December 2014 |access-date=28 March 2018 |archive-date=3 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403174508/https://www.sportskeeda.com/slideshow/look-at-ms-dhonis-test-records-cricket |url-status=live }}</ref>

* Dhoni's 224 against Australia in [[Chennai]] is the third highest score by an Indian captain.<ref>{{cite web|title=India close in after Kohli's epic double-hundred|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/1072024.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=2 February 2017|archive-date=3 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703181244/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/england-tour-of-india-2016-17-1030195/india-vs-england-4th-test-1034815/match-report-4|url-status=live}}</ref> En route to 224, Dhoni registered the highest Test score by an Indian wicket-keeper when he was on 193, beating [[Budhi Kunderan]]'s 192. It was also the highest score by a wicket-keeper–captain beating Englishman [[Alec Stewart]]'s 164.

* Dhoni's maiden century against Pakistan in [[Iqbal Stadium|Faisalabad]] (148) is the fastest century scored by an Indian wicket-keeper, and fourth overall.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/233948.html|title=Harbhajan's nightmare, and a deluge of runs|date=25 January 2006|access-date=18 May 2007|archive-date=3 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703181237/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/harbhajan-s-nightmare-and-a-deluge-of-runs-233948|url-status=live}}</ref>

* After hitting a six in the third Test against England in [[Rose Bowl (cricket ground)|Southampton]], Dhoni completed 50 sixes as a captain, an Indian record.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mahendra Singh Dhoni Slams A Record 50 Sixes As India Test Captain|url=https://sports.ndtv.com/england-vs-india-2014/mahendra-singh-dhoni-slams-a-record-50-sixes-as-india-test-captain-1515145|publisher=NDTV|access-date=2 February 2017|archive-date=11 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011233313/https://sports.ndtv.com/england-vs-india-2014/mahendra-singh-dhoni-slams-a-record-50-sixes-as-india-test-captain-1515145|url-status=live}}</ref>

* Dhoni shares the record for most dismissals in an innings (6, with Syed Kirmani) and in a match (9) by an Indian wicket-keeper.<ref>{{cite news|title=India Test records – Most dismissals in an innings by a wicket-keeper|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/keeping/most_dismissals_innings.html?class=1;id=6;type=team|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=20 June 2020|archive-date=29 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200829090607/https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/keeping/most_dismissals_innings.html?class=1;id=6;type=team|url-status=live}}</ref>

===ODI cricket===

{{see also|List of highest individual scores in ODIs|List of players who have scored 10,000 or more runs in One Day International cricket}}

* Dhoni is third captain (and the first non-Australian) overall to win 100 games.<ref name="BBC Sport"/>

* First player to pass 10,000 runs in ODI cricket with having a career average of over 50.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://zeenews.india.com/cricket/ms-dhoni-crosses-10000-run-mark-first-batsman-with-50-average-2124614.html|title=MS Dhoni crosses 10K ODI milestone and first to do so with a career average of 50|date=14 July 2018|access-date=15 July 2018|archive-date=4 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190104193743/http://zeenews.india.com/cricket/ms-dhoni-crosses-10000-run-mark-first-batsman-with-50-average-2124614.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

* Most career runs in ODI history when batting at number 6 position (4031)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.howstat.com.au/cricket/Statistics/Batting/BattingBestAggregateForPosition_ODI.asp|title=Most career runs in ODI history when batting at each positions|work=cricinfo|access-date=3 May 2017|archive-date=9 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200409201406/http://howstat.com.au/cricket/Statistics/Batting/BattingBestAggregateForPosition_ODI.asp|url-status=live}}</ref>

* Only player to score more than one hundred in ODI cricket when batting at number 7 position or lower (Dhoni has 2 centuries at number 7).<ref>{{cite web|date=25 September 2018|title=7 Interesting Records Held by MS Dhoni in International Cricket|url=https://www.thequint.com/news/infographics/7-interesting-records-held-by-ms-dhoni-in-international-cricket-35-birthday|access-date=27 November 2020|work=The Quint|archive-date=12 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112034454/https://www.thequint.com/news/infographics/7-interesting-records-held-by-ms-dhoni-in-international-cricket-35-birthday|url-status=live}}</ref>

* Most unbeaten innings and highest average (among batsmen with more that 20 such innings) in successful ODI run-chases.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://zeenews.india.com/cricket/ms-dhoni-continues-to-create-records-a-statistical-look-at-his-role-as-finisher-2036171.html|title=MS Dhoni continues to create records – A statistical look at his role as 'finisher'|date=25 August 2017|website=Zee News|access-date=5 May 2019|archive-date=26 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626201021/https://zeenews.india.com/cricket/ms-dhoni-continues-to-create-records-a-statistical-look-at-his-role-as-finisher-2036171.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

* Holds the record for playing the most matches in ODI history as captain who has also served as a wicket-keeper(200)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/283403.html|title=Records / One-Day Internationals / Individual records (captains, players, umpires) / Captains who have kept wicket|work=cricinfo|access-date=3 May 2017|archive-date=19 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419173057/https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/283403.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

* Dhoni has the most stumpings (120) by any wicket-keeper in an ODI career and is so far the only keeper to pass 100 stumpings<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/283792.html|title=Records {{!}} One-Day Internationals {{!}} Wicketkeeping records {{!}} Most dismissals in career {{!}} ESPNcricinfo.com|website=Cricinfo|access-date=6 February 2019|archive-date=23 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190623070426/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/283792.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/india-in-sri-lanka/india-v-sri-lanka-ms-dhoni-becomes-first-wicketkeeper-to-100-odi-stumpings/articleshow/60349872.cms|title=India v Sri Lanka: MS Dhoni becomes first wicketkeeper to 100 ODI stumpings|work=The Times of India|access-date=3 September 2017|archive-date=11 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111204030/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/india-in-sri-lanka/india-v-sri-lanka-ms-dhoni-becomes-first-wicketkeeper-to-100-odi-stumpings/articleshow/60349872.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

===T20I Cricket===

* Most consecutive T20I innings without a duck (84).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/slc-twenty20-15/content/records/284072.html|title=Records / Twenty20 Internationals /Batting records / Most consecutive innings without a duck|work=cricinfo|access-date=3 May 2017|archive-date=26 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626201009/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/slc-twenty20-15/content/records/284072.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

* Dhoni holds the record for playing the most T20I innings (76) and scored the most runs(1,153) before scoring a fifty.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/5-players-taken-most-innings-score-maiden-fifty-t20is/5|title=most innings to score maiden fifty in T20Is|date=2 February 2017|work=sportskeeda|access-date=3 May 2017|archive-date=7 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707144608/https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/5-players-taken-most-innings-score-maiden-fifty-t20is/5|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cricketcountry.com/news/ms-dhoni-registers-maiden-t20i-fifty-during-india-england-3rd-t20i-572441|title=first player to score 1000 T20I runs without a career fifty|work=cricket country|access-date=3 May 2017|archive-date=2 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302090752/https://www.cricketcountry.com/news/ms-dhoni-registers-maiden-t20i-fifty-during-india-england-3rd-t20i-572441|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cricketcountry.com/articles/yuzvendra-chahal-achieving-and-ms-dhoni-losing-world-record-other-statistical-highlights-from-india-england-3rd-t20i-572575|title=India v England 3rd T20I highlights|work=cricket country|access-date=3 May 2017|archive-date=12 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191012061525/https://www.cricketcountry.com/articles/yuzvendra-chahal-achieving-and-ms-dhoni-losing-world-record-other-statistical-highlights-from-india-england-3rd-t20i-572575|url-status=live}}</ref>

* Most catches as wicketkeeper in a T20I innings (5)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/slc-twenty20-15/content/records/283353.html|title=Records / Twenty20 Internationals / Wicketkeeping records / Most catches in an innings|work=cricinfo|access-date=3 May 2017|archive-date=8 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708193558/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/slc-twenty20-15/content/records/283353.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===International records (combined ODI, Test and T20I)===

* Dhoni is the first, and so far only, wicket-keeper to effect 150 stumping dismissals across the three forms of the game. His current total of stumpings in internationals stands at 161.<ref>{{cite web|title=MS Dhoni becomes first ever wicket-keeper to affect 150 stumpings|url=http://zeenews.india.com/sports/cricket/india-vs-new-zealand-2016/ms-dhoni-becomes-first-ever-wicket-keeper-to-affect-150-stumpings_1942761.html|publisher=Zee News|access-date=2 February 2017|archive-date=26 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626201018/https://zeenews.india.com/sports/cricket/india-vs-new-zealand-2016/ms-dhoni-becomes-first-ever-wicket-keeper-to-affect-150-stumpings_1942761.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/slc-twenty20-15/content/records/283337.html|title=Records / Combined Test, ODI and T20I records /Wicketkeeping records / Most stumpings in career|work=cricinfo|access-date=3 May 2017|archive-date=28 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428162745/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/slc-twenty20-15/content/records/283337.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Outside cricket==

===Sports-team ownerships===

Dhoni's interest in bikes is often discussed in media.<ref>[http://ww.itimes.com/album/ms-dhoni-and-his-bikes MS Dhoni and his bikes | itimes Photos] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160827175230/http://ww.itimes.com/album/ms-dhoni-and-his-bikes |date=27 August 2016 }}. www.itimes.com (21 June 2012). Retrieved on 23 December 2013.</ref> He co-partnered [[Nagarjuna (actor)|Nagarjuna]] in buying a [[Supersport World Championship]] team, [[Mahi Racing Team India]].

===Business interests===

In June 2018, Pune-based decorative paint maker company Indigo Paints signed Dhoni as company's brand ambassador for three years. Dhoni featured in all the marketing and promotional campaigns of company, which planned to spend about Rs 240 crore on advertising for three years.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Indigo Paints signs MS Dhoni as brand ambassador; plans Rs 240 crore ad spend over 3 years|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/services/advertising/indigo-paints-signs-ms-dhoni-as-brand-ambassador/articleshow/64595125.cms?from=mdr|access-date=2021-03-19|archive-date=3 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703181258/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/services/advertising/indigo-paints-signs-ms-dhoni-as-brand-ambassador/articleshow/64595125.cms?from=mdr|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=2019-05-22|title=Taking the starry road: Paint brands ramp up celeb power for mass appeal|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/taking-the-starry-road-paint-brands-ramp-up-celeb-power-for-mass-appeal-119052201692_1.html|access-date=2021-03-19|archive-date=22 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190522192630/https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/taking-the-starry-road-paint-brands-ramp-up-celeb-power-for-mass-appeal-119052201692_1.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Dhoni Entertainment===

In 2019, Dhoni Entertainment entered into a long-term business agreement with [[Banijay Group|Banijay Asia]] to produce content in various genres.<ref name="Dhoni Entertainment">{{cite news|title=Banijay Asia, MS Dhoni Ink Pact To Create Content Across Genres|work=[[The Economic Times]]|access-date=21 May 2019|url=https://www.economictimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/entertainment-a-new-innings-for-ms-dhoni/amp_articleshow/67413240.cms}}</ref> The first show developed was a documentary web series, titled ''[[Roar of The Lion (documentary)|Roar of The Lion]]'', about the comeback of the Chennai Super Kings to lift the 2018 Indian Premier League starring MS Dhoni in the lead role.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.insidesport.co/match-fixing-bigger-crime-than-murder-says-dhoni-in-soon-to-be-released-documentary/|title=Dhoni opens up about Spot Fixing scandal|date=11 March 2019|website=InsideSport|language=en-gb|access-date=12 March 2019|archive-date=3 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703181240/https://www.insidesport.co/match-fixing-bigger-crime-than-murder-says-dhoni-in-soon-to-be-released-documentary/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.televisionpost.com/hotstars-original-show-with-ms-dhoni-to-premiere-on-20-march/|title=Hotstar's original show with MS Dhoni to premiere on 20 March – TelevisionPost: Latest News, India's Television, Cable, DTH, TRAI|date=5 March 2019|website=TelevisionPost: Latest News, India’s Television, Cable, DTH, TRAI|language=en-US|access-date=12 March 2019|archive-date=27 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327092713/https://www.televisionpost.com/hotstars-original-show-with-ms-dhoni-to-premiere-on-20-march/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gadgets.ndtv.com/entertainment/news/hotstar-specials-originals-ms-dhoni-remake-the-office-criminal-justice-hostages-city-of-dreams-2004743|title=M.S. Dhoni and The Office Remake Part of Hotstar's First Five Originals|website=NDTV Gadgets 360|language=en|access-date=12 March 2019|archive-date=20 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120002543/https://gadgets.ndtv.com/entertainment/news/hotstar-specials-originals-ms-dhoni-remake-the-office-criminal-justice-hostages-city-of-dreams-2004743|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.insidesport.co/hotstar-to-launch-docudrama-with-dhoni-on-march-20/|title=Roar of the Lion – The untold Dhoni story to come on Hotstar|last=Kansal|first=Sonal|date=6 March 2019|website=InsideSport|language=en-gb|access-date=12 March 2019|archive-date=3 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703181300/https://www.insidesport.co/hotstar-to-launch-docudrama-with-dhoni-on-march-20/|url-status=live}}</ref> The web series is the biggest ever release through the platform of [[Hotstar|Hotstar Specials]] and started its online streaming from 20 March 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.spotboye.com/bollywood/news/ms-dhoni-s-production-roar-of-lions-to-be-the-first-big-release-on-hotstar-specials/5c7ea15f2c1b271a95990d43|title=MS Dhoni's Production Roar of Lions To Be The First Big Release on Hotstar Specials|last=SpotboyE|website=www.spotboye.com|language=en-US|access-date=12 March 2019|archive-date=3 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703181240/https://www.spotboye.com/bollywood/news/ms-dhoni-s-production-roar-of-lions-to-be-the-first-big-release-on-hotstar-specials/5c7ea15f2c1b271a95990d43|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Territorial Army===

[[File:The Chief of Army Staff, Gen. V.K. Singh pipping in the Rank of Hon. Lt. Col. to Indian Skipper M.S. Dhoni, in New Delhi on November 01, 2011.jpg|thumb|The Chief of Army Staff, Gen. [[V. K. Singh|V.K. Singh]] pipping in the Rank of Hon. Lt. Col. to M.S. Dhoni]]

Dhoni holds a [[honorary rank]] of [[Lieutenant colonel|Lieutenant Colonel]] in the [[Parachute Regiment (India)|Parachute Regiment]] of the [[Territorial Army (India)|Indian Territorial Army]] (106 Para TA battalion).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Yahoo Cricket|url=https://cricket.yahoo.net/news/ms-dhoni-joins-106-territorial-095356130|access-date=2021-08-23|website=cricket.yahoo.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=All you need to know about the Territorial Army's 106 Infantry Battalion, where Dhoni is heading|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/all-you-need-to-know-about-the-territorial-army-s-106-infantry-battalion-where-dhoni-is-heading/457916|access-date=2021-08-23|website=www.timesnownews.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=|title=Captain Cool to Lt Col: MS Dhoni and his Territorial Army unit|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/ms-dhoni-indian-army-paramilitary-regiment-5839441/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/ms-dhoni-indian-army-paramilitary-regiment-5839441/|archive-date=2019-07-22|access-date=2021-08-23|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Saharoy|first=Shilarze|date=2021-07-07|title=Indian army veteran says the armed forces might have missed out on a good officer in Mahendra Singh Dhoni {{!}} Off the field News - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/off-the-field/indian-army-veteran-says-the-armed-forces-might-have-missed-out-on-a-good-officer-in-mahendra-singh-dhoni/articleshow/76829739.cms|url-status=live|archive-url=https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:https://m.timesofindia.com/sports/off-the-field/indian-army-veteran-says-the-armed-forces-might-have-missed-out-on-a-good-officer-in-mahendra-singh-dhoni/amp_articleshow/76829739.cms|archive-date=2021-07-07|access-date=2021-08-23|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> The honorary rank was presented to him by the [[Indian Army]] in 2011 for his service to the nation as a [[cricket]]er.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2019-07-31|title=What you need to know about Dhoni's stint with the Indian Territorial Army|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-indian-territorial-army/article28769059.ece|access-date=2021-08-23|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

After completing five parachute training jumps from Indian Army aircraft in the Agra training camp, he became a [[Paratrooper|qualified paratrooper]] in 2015.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Lavania|first=Deepak|date=2020-08-21|title=Dhoni 'the paratrooper' knew how to land smoothly {{!}} Agra News - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/agra/dhoni-the-paratrooper-knew-how-to-land-smoothly/articleshow/77578267.cms|url-status=live|archive-url=https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:https://m.timesofindia.com/city/agra/dhoni-the-paratrooper-knew-how-to-land-smoothly/amp_articleshow/77578267.cms|archive-date=2020-08-21|access-date=2021-08-23|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref><ref name="firstpost1">{{cite web|url=http://www.firstpost.com/fwire/army-to-confer-lt-col-rank-upon-dhoni-bindra-120146.html|title=Army to confer Lt Col rank upon Dhoni, Bindra|author=Firstpost|date=31 October 2011|publisher=Firstpost|access-date=17 August 2012|archive-date=16 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816172920/https://www.firstpost.com/fwire/army-to-confer-lt-col-rank-upon-dhoni-bindra-120146.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In August 2019 he completed a two-week stint with the Territorial Army in [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Lieutenant Colonel MS Dhoni completes 15-day Army stint. |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/ms-dhoni-territorial-army-training-completes-leh-airport-photos-lieutenant-colonel-1581698-2019-08-17 |website=www.indiatoday.in |publisher=India Today |access-date=17 August 2019 |archive-date=2 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102100307/https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/ms-dhoni-territorial-army-training-completes-leh-airport-photos-lieutenant-colonel-1581698-2019-08-17 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Awards and achievements==

{{see also|Player of the Match awards (cricket)}}

[[File:The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind presenting the Padma Bhushan Award to Shri M.S. Dhoni, at the Civil Investiture Ceremony-II, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on April 02, 2018.jpg|thumb|The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind presenting the Padma Bhushan Award to Shri M.S. Dhoni.]]

===National honours===

* 2018: [[Padma Bhushan]], India's third-highest civilian award.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/padma-awards-2018-ilaiyaraja-awarded-padma-vibhushan-dhoni-gets-padma-bhushan/article22524146.ece|title=Padma Vibhushan for Ilaiyaraaja|date=25 January 2018|via=www.thehindu.com|access-date=5 May 2019|archive-date=3 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603062834/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/padma-awards-2018-ilaiyaraja-awarded-padma-vibhushan-dhoni-gets-padma-bhushan/article22524146.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>

*[[ICC Awards of the Decade|ICC Men's ODI team of the decade]]: 2011 - 2020 (captain and wicketkeeper)<ref name="indianexpress.com">{{Cite web|date=2020-12-27|title=ICC Team of the Decade: MS Dhoni named captain for both T20I and ODI, Virat Kohli Test captain|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/icc-team-of-the-decade-ms-dhoni-captain-t20i-odi-virat-kohli-test-captain-7122178/|access-date=2020-12-28|website=The Indian Express|language=en|archive-date=17 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117163116/https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/icc-team-of-the-decade-ms-dhoni-captain-t20i-odi-virat-kohli-test-captain-7122178/|url-status=live}}</ref>

*[[ICC Awards of the Decade|ICC Men's T20I team of the decade]]: 2011 -2020 (captain and wicketkeeper)<ref name="indianexpress.com"/>

*[[ICC Awards of the Decade|ICC Spirit of the cricket award of the decade]]: 2011 - 2020<ref>{{Cite web|date=December 28, 2020|first=Saurabh|last=Kumar|title=MS Dhoni wins ICC Spirit of Cricket Award of the Decade|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/ms-dhoni-wins-icc-spirit-of-cricket-award-of-the-decade-1753837-2020-12-28|access-date=2020-12-28|website=India Today|language=en|archive-date=3 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210203170328/https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/ms-dhoni-wins-icc-spirit-of-cricket-award-of-the-decade-1753837-2020-12-28|url-status=live}}</ref>

* [[MTV Youth Icon of the Year]]: 2006<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.news18.com/cricketnext/news/dhoni-voted-mtv-youth-icon-2006-2-535056.html|title=Dhoni voted MTV youth icon 2006|date=23 June 2006|access-date=7 February 2019|archive-date=26 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626201021/https://www.news18.com/cricketnext/news/dhoni-voted-mtv-youth-icon-2006-2-535056.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

* [[2013 ICC Awards|LG People's Choice Award]]: 2013<ref>{{Cite web|title=Live Cricket Scores & News International Cricket Council|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/awards/previous-winners|access-date=15 September 2020|website=www.icc-cricket.com|language=en|archive-date=2 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602221752/https://www.icc-cricket.com/awards/previous-winners|url-status=live}}</ref>

* Honorary doctorate degree by [[De Montfort University]] in August 2011<ref>{{Cite news|date=29 August 2011|title=Dhoni gets doctorate|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/dhoni-gets-doctorate/article2409712.ece|access-date=15 September 2020|issn=0971-751X|archive-date=3 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703181240/https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/dhoni-gets-doctorate/article2409712.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>

* [[CNN-News18 Indian of the Year]]: 2011<ref>{{Cite web|title=CNN-IBN host prestigious CNN-IBN Indian of the Year Award 2011|url=https://www.indiainfoline.com/article/news-top-story/cnn-ibn-host-prestigious-cnn-ibn-indian-of-the-year-award-2011-113103000570_1.html|access-date=15 September 2020|website=www.indiainfoline.com|language=en|archive-date=3 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703181240/https://www.indiainfoline.com/article/news-top-story/cnn-ibn-host-prestigious-cnn-ibn-indian-of-the-year-award-2011-113103000570_1.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

==In popular culture==

A movie was made based on Dhoni's life, from his childhood to the [[2011 Cricket World Cup]], titled ''[[M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story]]'', with [[Sushant Singh Rajput]] in the titular role.<ref>{{Cite web|date=19 October 2016|title=MS Dhoni: The Untold Story Plot Summary|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/MS-Dhoni-The-Untold-Story-Plot-Summary/articleshow/54934334.cms|access-date=2 December 2020|website=The Times of India|archive-date=3 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703181300/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/MS-Dhoni-The-Untold-Story-Plot-Summary/articleshow/54934334.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> Another web series centered on his life and his times with the [[Chennai Super Kings]] in the [[Indian Premier League]] aired on [[Hotstar]] on 20 March 2019, titled ''[[Roar of the Lion (web series)|Roar of the Lion]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|date=22 March 2019|title=Hotstar's 'Roar of the Lion' series goes behind the scenes with the Chennai Super Kings|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/roar-of-the-lions-tells-the-story-of-chennai-super-kings/article26607320.ece|access-date=2 December 2020|website=The Hindu|archive-date=7 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107231735/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/roar-of-the-lions-tells-the-story-of-chennai-super-kings/article26607320.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{Wikiquote}}

{{Commons category|Mahendra Singh Dhoni}}  

[[Category:Jharkhand cricketers]]

[[Category:People from Ranchi]]

[[Category:Recipients of the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna]]