MS Dhoni Becomes 11th Indian to Be Inducted into ICC Hall of Fame
June 9, 2025 | New Delhi
Legendary cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been officially inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, becoming the 11th Indian cricketer to receive this prestigious recognition. The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the honour just weeks ahead of Dhoni’s 44th birthday.
The induction comes nearly five years after Dhoni’s retirement from international cricket in August 2020. His final appearance in an India jersey was during the semi-final of the 2019 ODI World Cup.
A Career Defined by Historic Triumphs
Widely regarded as one of India’s greatest cricketing icons, Dhoni made his international debut in 2004 in an ODI against Bangladesh. He quickly established himself as a powerful wicketkeeper-batsman and soon became known for his aggressive yet calculated playing style. One of his earliest breakthroughs came with a blistering 148-run knock against Pakistan in just his fifth match.
Dhoni took over the reins as India’s ODI captain in 2007 and later as Test captain in 2008. Under his leadership, India reached historic milestones:
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2007 ICC World Twenty20 Champion
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2011 ICC Cricket World Cup Winner
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2013 ICC Champions Trophy Winner
With these victories, Dhoni became the only captain in history to win all three ICC limited-overs titles. He also led India to Asia Cup victories in 2010 and 2016.
Personal Milestones
As an individual, Dhoni’s statistics and records are equally extraordinary:
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10,773 runs in ODIs at an average of 50.57, including 10 centuries and 73 half-centuries
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4,876 runs in Test matches, becoming the first Indian wicketkeeper to cross 4,000 Test runs
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Holds the record for most international dismissals by an Indian wicketkeeper
He was named the ICC ODI Player of the Year in both 2008 and 2009.
India’s ICC Hall of Fame Inductees
With his induction, Dhoni joins a distinguished list of Indian cricketers in the ICC Hall of Fame:
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Sunil Gavaskar
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Bishan Singh Bedi
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Kapil Dev
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Anil Kumble
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Rahul Dravid
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Sachin Tendulkar
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Vinoo Mankad
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Daina Edulji
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Virender Sehwag
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Neetu David
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MS Dhoni
Sunil Gavaskar and Bishan Singh Bedi were among the earliest Indian inductees, receiving the honour in 2009.
A Lasting Legacy
Affectionately known as "Captain Cool", Dhoni's calm demeanor, match-finishing abilities, and astute leadership have left a lasting legacy on Indian cricket. Even after retiring from the international stage, his influence on the sport and on the next generation of cricketers continues to be profound.
