MS Dhoni goes contractless: The ex-captain's 5 best ever cricketing moments for India

annual Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) contract list for 2019-20 season was anunced on Thursday. While Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah were revealed as top earners, exclusion of MS Dhoni from BCCI contract list raised a few eyebrows. MS Dhoni’s retirement rumours are doing rounds since India’s semi-final loss to New Zealand in ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 and an anuncement could be on way considering that Dhoni was dropped from BCCI contract list.

Earlier in an interview, MS Dhoni had told a reporter that all questions on his future should wait till January 2020 and maybe former India captain was hinting at BCCI contract snub. Dhoni is expected to feature in IPL 2020 for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and it could be his final swansong before hanging up his boots once and for all. Here, let’s take a look at MS Dhoni’s top moments in Indian jersey.

Also Read: MS Dhoni Excluded From BCCI's Annual Contract List For Team India

Dhoni dropped from BCCI contract list: Top 5 moments of Indian ex-captain

1. 1st ODI Century: 148 vs Pakistan, Vishakapatnam 2005

After a mediocre start to his ODI career, MS Dhoni was promoted to .3 by India captain Sourav Ganguly and young wicketkeeper repaid his captain’s faith. Dhoni arrived in style scoring 148 off just 123 balls, showcasing his strength and ability to score quickly, which would turn out be trademarks of his game in decade to come. Dhoni’s century helped India post a mammoth 356 in ir 50 overs, which eventually proved to be too much for ir rivals Pakistan, who fell short by 58 runs.

Also Read: Sunil Gavaskar Calls Kapil Dev His 'Pied Piper Of Cricket' In Emotionally Touching Speech

2. Ind vs Aus: MS Dhoni leads India to CB Series victory

It took only three years for MS Dhoni to take over reins of India side after his debut. After leading India to maiden T20 World Cup title, Dhoni led India to a win in tri-series between India, Australia and Sri Lanka, which was ir first-ever ODI tri-series triumph in Australia. Dhoni’s astute leadership skills helped India overcome Australia in ir backyard in best-of-3 finals.

Also Read: VVS Laxman Gives Unique Reason For Virat Kohli For Making Return At .3 Position In ODIs

3. 91* vs Sri Lanka, leads India to World Cup win

MS Dhoni had made a reputation for himself as a leader and India were favourites to win 2011 World Cup at home. India, after some inspired performances from Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh, Zaheer Khan and ors, reached final to clash against Sri Lanka at Wankhede Stadium. Dhoni had a horrid tournament in build-up to final, but Indian captain brushed poor form and criticism all aside and scored a splendid 91* off just 79 balls, hitting an iconic six to help India lift ir second-ever World Cup title.

4. 224 in Chennai, Ind vs Aus Test series 2013.

MS Dhoni’s world had come crashing down after India’s World Cup win in 2011. Back-to-back 0-4 whitewashes in England and Australia followed by a humiliating 1-2 loss at home to England, meant Dhoni’s captaincy, as well as his batting, was under immense scrutiny when Australia came to Chennai for first of 4-test series in March 2013. However, Dhoni made his mark, scored a magnificent 224, his highest Test score, effectively batting Australia out of contest. India afflicted perfect revenge, avenging ir 0-4 loss in Australia by beating m 4-0 at home.

Also Read: Finch Expects India To Fight Back Hard In Second ODI

5. MS Dhoni leads India to 2013 Champions Trophy win

2013 Champions Trophy was an exhibition of MS Dhoni’s rewned captaincy skills. Dhoni’s decision to use Rohit Sharma opener was vital, as Mumbai batsman formed a formidable opening combination with Shikhar Dhawan, a partnership, India still feeds on 7 years later. Dhoni’s decision to use Ishant Sharma in death overs despite Delhi pacer being expensive before paid dividends with pacer bagging 2 important wickets in a single over to help India win final against hosts England. Dhoni became first captain to lift all three ICC titles and to date, remains only captain to do so in history of game.