MS Dhoni retirement: Top 10 moments of former India captain's legendary career

After a year-long sabbatical, former India captain MS Dhoni ended his glorious international cricket career on Saturday, August 15, 2020. 39-year-old last played in semi-final of 2019 World Cup, where India lost to New Zealand. Tributes have flown in after MS Dhoni retirement anuncement and here’s a look at top 10 MS Dhoni memorable moments in Indian cricket.

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MS Dhoni retirement: Top 10 MS Dhoni memorable moments

1. MS Dhoni records: 183* vs Sri Lanka in 2005

After an indifferent start to his international career, MS Dhoni showed his mettle against Pakistan by scoring a scintillating 148 in just his fifth ODI. However, that was just start of an incredible career and wicketkeeper-batsman from Jharkhand made headlines after smashing 183* a few months later in an ODI against Sri Lanka on home soil. score remains India's highest by any batsman till date in second innings of a match and is highest score by a wicketkeeper-batsman in international cricket. 

2. MS Dhoni retires: 2007 T20 World Cup

After India crashed out in group st of 2007 ODI World Cup, MS Dhoni was chosen to lead a young Indian team to South Africa for inaugural T20 World Cup. Indian captain’s calmness on field and his astute captaincy meant that India lifted inaugural title, beating arch-rivals Pakistan in a tense final. Misbah-ul-Haq had taken Indian attack to cleaners in final overs of clash but Dhoni turned to Joginder Sharma, a move which turned out to be a masterstroke as India won clash by five runs. T20 World Cup paved way for a T20 revolution in India, which began with Indian Premier League in 2008.

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3. MS Dhoni retires: 2008 CB Series in Australia

India faced off against Australia and Sri Lanka in a triangular CB series in Australia in 2008. MS Dhoni's Men in Blue qualified for finals, finishing second behind Australia winning three matches. In three-match final series, India made a clean sweep, winning first two finals to win coveted trophy. MS Dhoni's captaincy received praise from all quarters and Indian wicketkeeper was third-highest run-getter in tournament, scoring 347 runs in tournament. 

4. MS Dhoni retires: 2009 Test series win in New Zealand

MS Dhoni was appointed as full-time captain across all formats after retirement of Anil Kumble and Sourav Ganguly. After losing T20I series, India bounced back in style clinch ODI leg of tour. In following three-match Test Series, India registred in a win in first Test, followed by draws in second and third to win ir first Test series in New Zealand and India's first Test match victory in country in over 33 years. 

5. MS Dhoni retires: .1 Test team in world in 2010

India continued to rise in ICC Test rankings under MS Dhoni's leadership. Indian captain received Test championship mace after India surpassed South Africa to become World .1 in Test cricket after winning 2-0 against Sri Lanka at home in late 2009, a series in which Dhoni scored two centuries. In following series against South Africa at home, India lost first Test by an innings only to make a startling comeback by winning  second Test in Kolkata to maintain ir stranglehold of rankings. India were .1 test team till August 2011 before England went past m. 

Also Read: MS Dhoni Retires: As 2011-World Cup Captain Hangs His Gloves, A Look At His CSK Journey

6.  MS Dhoni retires: IPL 2010 win 

MS Dhoni, over years, had established himself as one of biggest names in international cricket and  Indian Premier League. In first two seasons of IPL, Chennai Super Kings bowed out in kckout st, losing final and semi-final respectively, much to disappointment of ir expectant fanbase. However, MS Dhoni steered his team to victory in 2010 final against arch-rivals Mumbai Indians. wicket-keeper's astute captaincy and field placement saw CSK clinch match after Kieron Pollard threatened to lead Mumbai to victory. CSK won title in IPL 2011 as well and to this date, y remain only team to successfully defend ir IPL title. 

7. MS Dhoni helicopter shot: 2011 World Cup win

India had t tasted success in a World Cup since Kapil Dev's side defeated West Indies in 1983. 28 years on, when World Cup was hosted in India, nation were glued to ir TV screens hoping for Men in Blue to bring trophy home. In final at Wankhede Stadium, India were in a spot of bor when Dhoni walked in to bat, but Indian captain led from front, combining with Gautam Gambhir to lead India's chase. In a fitting end, Indian captain finished off with a six, ending India's wait for World Cup glory. 

8. MS Dhoni helicopter shot: Australia 4-0 and 224

When Australia toured India in 2013, a lot of questions surrounded MS Dhoni's captaincy and batting in longest format of game. India had lost 0-4 each on ir tours to England and Australia before former registered a 2-1 win in India. MS Dhoni in typical fashion made a statement in first Test itself, scoring a double century to help India to a win. Dhoni's 224 laid foundations for India's domination in series as Men in Blue demolished visiting Australian side 4-0. 

Also Read: MS Dhoni Retirement: Top International Records Of 2011 World Cup Winning Captain

9. MS Dhoni records: Champions Trophy 2013

MS Dhoni led an inexperienced side to England for 2013 Champions Trophy. India reached final on back of stellar performances from Shikhar Dhawan, but Dhoni's use of spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin in foreign conditions caught eye. In a rain-affected final, Indian captain made a number of game-changing decisions, including bringing back Ishant Sharma into attack and holding up his spinners for final overs. gamble paid rewards and India won tournament by beating England in final, with MS Dhoni becoming first captain to win all three ICC trophies. 

10. MS Dhoni retirement: IPL 2018

Chennai Super Kings were banned for two seasons from IPL for ir involvement in spot-fixing scandal that rocked league. When y returned in 2018, CSK chose to bank on experience in auction, signing many international cricketers all above of 30. two-time champions were written off when tournament started but led by MS Dhoni, team came back to tournament fold in style, winning title by beating SRH in final. IPL 2018 win was a statement of intent by CSK and y followed it up with ar final appearance in 2019, only to fall short by one run to Mumbai Indians. 

(Im Courtesy: icc-cricket.com)