MS Dhoni made his international debut on December 23, 2004- it wasn't the ideal start but 14 years later one can safely say it was the start of something special.
MS Dhoni owes me a haircut. 14 years ago on December 23, I was at a hair-dresser's in Ranchi. I was waiting for my turn as Ranchi's favourite son MS Dhoni made his India debut. It was a clever ploy to get a haircut as well as watch the match as I didn't own a TV at that time. We were following the match live on TV and Dhoni walked out to bat as I got into the barber's chair.
However, the haircut had to wait as we - everyone in the shop - watched MS Dhoni's first international innings. It didn't last long. MS Dhoni got out for a duck. I returned with the worst haircut of my life.
The debut in Chittagong was disappointing- however, the long haired one will go on become one of the biggest cricketers India have ever produced.
For all that he has achieved in world cricket now, MS Dhoni's international debut wasn't the ideal start but 14 years later one can safely say it was the start of something special.
1. MS Dhoni's 143 vs Pakistan: A Star is Born
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It took four more months before the world witnessed, what I have seen many times at Mecon Stadium, the awesome hitting power of MS Dhoni. Sourav Ganguly famously promoted MS Dhoni to bat at No.3 against Pakistan - and he didn't disappoint.
Dhoni announced his arrival at the big stage with a 123-ball 148 with 15 boundaries and four sixes. he hit the Pakistan attack in all corners of the field as world witnessed the rise of one of the best hitters in modern day cricket.
(Image: AFP)
2. 183 not out vs Sri Lanka in Jaipur, 2005
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If the Pakistan innings was his introduction, this was his best. Dhoni's innings at Sawai Mansingh Stadium made him one of the most feared batsmen in the world.
Dhoni was sent to bat at number three again and what followed was absolute carnage of the highest order. He scored a mammoth 183 runs off 145 deliveries with 15 fours and 11 sixes.
(Image: AFP)
3. MS Dhoni becomes captain, wins 2007 World T20
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MS Dhoni took very little time to establish himself as one of the mainstays in the team but no one expected him to become Indian captain soon. After the low of 2007 World Cup, India were in need of fresh inspiration. When Sachin, Sourav and captain Rahul decided to skip the first T20 world cup, Dhoni was given the charge.
However, Dhoni led a young team with a strong conviction and an unconventional style to the title. The memorable last over when he handed the ball to Joginder Sharma ahead of Harbhajan Singh and got the last Pakistan wicket became one of the examples of his acumen as a captain.
(Image: AFP)
4. MS Dhoni takes India to top in Tests
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MS Dhoni took over from Anil Kumble as the Test captain in 2008. Under Dhoni, India gained the top spot in the ICC Test rankings for the first time and they remained there for 18 months. He also the Indian transition as India bid farewell to likes of Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman and Sourav Ganguly. His gestures in the final Tests of Ganguly and Tendulkar became parts of Indian cricketing folklore.
(Image: AFP)
5. India win World Cup 2011 under MS Dhoni
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28 years after Kapil Dev, MS Dhoni became India's second captain to lift the World Cup. India were under tremendous pressure as favourites. Dhoni led the side with his mixture of calmness and game awareness. However, perhaprs the most memorable moment of Dhoni's career came in the final, where he played an innings that took India over the line against Sri Lanka in Mumbai.
Chasing 275, India had lost Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag early. After Virat Kohli's wicket, Dhoni promoted himself above an in-form Yuvraj Singh and took the attack to the Sri Lankans.
With Gambhir making 97 at the other end and Yuvraj's cameo in the end India reached the target easily. Dhoni sealed the World Cup with a six.
(Image: Reuters)
