MS Dhoni, former Indian captain, wicketkeeper, and one of the most iconic figures in world cricket, has been officially inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. The honor marks yet another crowning achievement in a career that has shaped the very fabric of Indian cricket across formats. With this induction, Dhoni becomes the 11th Indian cricketer to receive the prestigious recognition—joining an elite list that includes legends such as Kapil Dev, Sachin Tendulkar, and Rahul Dravid.
But beyond the numbers and accolades lies a story of an unorthodox hero, a small-town boy who revolutionized the role of a wicketkeeper-batter, and a captain whose calmness under pressure inspired a generation.
MS Dhoni: The 11th Indian in the ICC Hall of Fame
In 2025, Dhoni joined the likes of Sunil Gavaskar, Anil Kumble, and Diana Edulji in cricket’s most revered club. Below is the full list of Indian players inducted so far:
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Bishan Bedi – 2009
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Kapil Dev – 2009
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Sunil Gavaskar – 2009
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Anil Kumble – 2015
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Rahul Dravid – 2018
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Sachin Tendulkar – 2019
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Vinoo Mankad – 2021
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Diana Edulji – 2023
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Virender Sehwag – 2023
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Neetu David – 2023
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MS Dhoni – 2025
The induction ceremony also honored other legends like Matthew Hayden, Hashim Amla, Graeme Smith, Daniel Vettori, Sarah Taylor, and Sana Mir, making it a momentous occasion celebrating global excellence in cricket.
Dhoni's Stats: A Career Beyond Just Numbers
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Matches Played: 538 (All Formats)
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Total Runs: 17,266
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Dismissals as Wicketkeeper: 829
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Hundreds/Fifties: 16/108
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Highest ODI Score: 183*
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Highest Test Score: 224
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ICC Titles as Captain: 3 (T20 World Cup 2007, ODI World Cup 2011, Champions Trophy 2013)
“Dhoni’s numbers reflect not just excellence but extraordinary consistency, fitness, and longevity.” – ICC Statement
The Early Spark: From Duck on Debut to Star Performer
Dhoni’s international journey began on an unremarkable note—a run-out for a duck in his ODI debut in 2004. But his first significant breakthrough came swiftly. Promoted up the order against Pakistan in 2005, Dhoni blasted 148 off 123 balls, proving he wasn’t here to play by the book.
Later that year, he unleashed his most iconic ODI innings—183 off 145 balls* against Sri Lanka in Jaipur. That innings remains the highest score by a wicketkeeper in men’s ODIs and was, at the time, the highest score in a successful run chase.
Unorthodox, unconventional and effective 🙌
A cricketer beyond numbers and statistics 👏
MS Dhoni is inducted in the ICC Hall of Fame 🥇
More ➡️ https://t.co/oV8mFaBfze pic.twitter.com/AGRzL0aP79— ICC (@ICC) June 9, 2025
Redefining the Wicketkeeper-Batter Role
Prior to Dhoni, Indian wicketkeepers were largely support players. Dhoni shattered that mold with:
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Unorthodox yet effective glove work
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Quickest stumpings and reflexes seen in the game
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Power-hitting, batting higher in the order
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Innovative finishes under pressure
He turned wicketkeeping into a dynamic art form—affecting run-outs from deflections, pulling off impossible stumpings, and leading from behind the stumps with supreme tactical vision.
The T20 Revolution: A Captain is Born
In 2007, following India’s early exit from the ODI World Cup, Dhoni was appointed captain for the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup—a tournament India wasn’t expected to win.
Yet under his stewardship, a young squad featuring Rohit Sharma, RP Singh, and Robin Uthappa played fearless cricket. India lifted the trophy after defeating Pakistan in a nail-biting final, making Dhoni an overnight national icon.
Under Dhoni’s T20 Captaincy:
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2007: Won inaugural T20 World Cup
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2014: Reached T20 World Cup Final
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2016: Reached T20 World Cup Semi-finals
2⃣0⃣0⃣7⃣ ICC World T20 winning captain
2⃣0⃣1⃣1⃣ ICC Cricket World Cup winning captain
2⃣0⃣1⃣3⃣ ICC Champions Trophy winning captain
1️⃣ Led India to the top spot in ICC Test rankings for the first time in 2009 🙌
Congratulations to the legendary former #TeamIndia Captain MS… pic.twitter.com/vVI3U7kQKv— BCCI (@BCCI) June 9, 2025
Dominance in Tests: Unconventional Yet Successful
Though known more for his white-ball exploits, Dhoni’s Test career was filled with defiant performances and historic moments.
Notable Test Highlights:
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2005: 148 vs Pakistan in Faisalabad
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2007: Match-saving 76* at Lord’s
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2013: Double-century (224) vs Australia in Chennai
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2009: Took India to No.1 in ICC Test Rankings
His 224 against Australia remains one of the finest knocks by an Indian captain in red-ball cricket. Despite critics questioning his suitability for Tests, Dhoni always found a way to succeed with his own brand of leadership and batting.
The ODI Legacy: Finisher, Leader, Champion
If there's one format where Dhoni stamped his identity permanently, it’s ODI cricket.
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Fastest to No.1 in ICC ODI Rankings – Achieved in just 40 matches
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Most Stumpings in ODIs – 123
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Most ODIs as Indian Captain – 200
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2011 World Cup Winner – Led India to a historic title
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2013 Champions Trophy Winner – Completed the ICC white-ball treble
His winning six in the 2011 World Cup Final, sending the ball into the Mumbai night sky, is frozen in time—a moment that ended India’s 28-year wait for the title and defined Dhoni’s legacy.
Even in his swansong tournament—2019 ICC World Cup—he remained India’s backbone. His tragic run-out in the semi-final against New Zealand was not just the end of a match, but the curtain call for an era.
The seven new inductees for the ICC Hall of Fame have been confirmed 🙌
Details 👇https://t.co/fREMwMjIkB— ICC (@ICC) June 9, 2025
What Made Dhoni Different?
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Calm under chaos – Nicknamed “Captain Cool” for a reason
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Innovative tactician – Made bold decisions like promoting himself in WC final
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Team-first approach – Let others shine, rarely chased personal milestones
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Unorthodox brilliance – Be it with the bat or behind the stumps, Dhoni wrote his own rules
A Hall of Fame Worthy Career
Reacting to his induction, Dhoni said:
“It is an honour to be named in the ICC Hall of Fame, which recognises the contributions of cricketers across generations and from all over the world. To have your name remembered alongside such all-time greats is a wonderful feeling. It is something that I will cherish forever.”
Final Word: A Legacy Etched in Gold
MS Dhoni’s rise from the lanes of Ranchi to the pantheon of cricketing greats is not just a sports story—it’s an epic. He didn’t just play cricket; he reshaped its rules, aesthetics, and expectations. Whether lifting ICC trophies, finishing games with composure, or making impossible dismissals look routine, Dhoni left behind a legacy that is timeless.
His induction into the ICC Hall of Fame is not just a reward for records but a salute to a cricketer who led by example, innovated fearlessly, and inspired endlessly.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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