MS Dhoni Inducted into ICC Hall of Fame

In a moment that further cements his place among cricket’s all-time greats, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, former India captain and one of the most iconic cricketers of his generation, was officially inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame during a prestigious event held in London.

With this honour, Dhoni becomes the 11th Indian cricketer, and the ninth Indian male player, to be recognised by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for his extraordinary contributions to the game.

A Career Built on Calm, Leadership, and Glory

Debuting for India in 2004, Dhoni’s rise to stardom was swift and impactful. He took over as India’s captain in 2007, ushering in a golden era marked by major ICC tournament victories:

• 2007 ICC T20 World Cup (India’s first-ever win in the format)
• 2011 ICC ODI World Cup (after 28 years, on home soil)
• 2013 ICC Champions Trophy (India remained unbeaten under his leadership)

These victories made him the only captain in world cricket to win all three major ICC trophies, a feat still unmatched.

Staggering Stats That Speak for Themselves

Over a 16-year international career, Dhoni played 350 ODIs, scoring 10,773 runs at a stellar average of 50.57, including 10 centuries and 73 half-centuries. He remains one of the most successful finishers in ODI history.

In Test cricket, Dhoni appeared in 90 matches, scoring 4,876 runs at an average just over 38, with 6 centuries. As a wicketkeeper, he executed 294 dismissals in Tests and over 450 in ODIs, solidifying his place among the most reliable and agile wicketkeepers the game has seen.

A Leader Apart: Praise from Cricketing Greats

Many prominent voices in cricket have long lauded Dhoni’s unique temperament and calm demeanour. Former India coach Ravi Shastri, speaking on Dhoni’s induction, noted:

Indeed, Dhoni’s composure under pressure, both as a player and leader, became one of his defining traits. His ability to read the game, make bold decisions, and maintain calmness even in tense moments set him apart.

The Post-Retirement Chapter and Continued Legacy

Dhoni retired from international cricket in August 2020, marking the end of an era. His final appearance was in the 2019 World Cup semifinal loss to New Zealand, where India fell short in a heartbreaking finish. Since then, he has continued to play a leadership role in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), mentoring young talent and keeping his competitive spirit alive.

Hall of Fame 2025: A Star-Studded Class

Dhoni is one of seven new inductees into the ICC Hall of Fame in 2025, joining an elite group of past legends. The full list of this year’s inductees includes:

• Matthew Hayden (Australia)
• Daniel Vettori (New Zealand)
• Hashim Amla (South Africa)
• Graeme Smith (South Africa)
• Sana Mir (Pakistan)
• Sarah Taylor (England)

With their induction, the ICC Hall of Fame now includes 122 cricketers from across generations and nations, representing the global and timeless appeal of the sport.