Iconic Moments
Six innings that defined MS Dhoni's career and changed Indian cricket forever.
The Announcement
148 vs Pakistan - Arrival of a Finisher
Match Situation:
India chasing 298. Dhoni walks in at 102/4 in 22nd over.
The Story:
A 23-year-old wicketkeeper with long hair walks in with India in trouble.
What followed was a masterclass in controlled aggression.
He took apart the Pakistani bowling attack with clinical precision.
India won by 6 wickets with 3 overs to spare.
The cricketing world had found its new finisher.
Impact:
First ODI century. Announced his arrival as a match-winner.
The Gamble
2007 T20 World Cup Final
Match Situation:
Final over. Pakistan needs 13 runs. Dhoni has to choose the bowler.
The Story:
The final over. 13 runs needed. Misbah on strike.
Dhoni had to choose between Harbhajan Singh and Joginder Sharma.
Against all logic, he chose the medium-pacer Joginder.
Misbah attempted a scoop, caught at short fine leg.
India won. A captain was born.
Impact:
Won India the first T20 World Cup. Established Dhoni as a tactical genius.
The Dream
2011 World Cup Final - 91* The Winning Six
Match Situation:
Chasing 275. India 114/3. Dhoni promotes himself to #5.
The Story:
The biggest stage. The highest pressure. India chasing 275.
Dhoni promoted himself ahead of Yuvraj Singh.
He built partnerships, rotated strike, and kept his cool.
With 4 runs needed, he launched Nuwan Kulasekara over long-on.
"Dhoni finishes off in style!" - The words that echo through eternity.
Impact:
Won India the World Cup after 28 years. Cemented his legacy forever.
The Helicopter
183* vs Sri Lanka - Highest ODI Score
Match Situation:
India batting first. Dhoni comes in at 88/2.
The Story:
On a Jaipur pitch, Dhoni unleashed carnage.
The helicopter shot was on full display.
He decimated Murali, Vaas, and Malinga.
India posted 356/9. Won by 7 runs.
A new batting phenomenon had arrived.
Impact:
Highest ODI score by a wicketkeeper. Showcased the helicopter shot.
The Treble
2013 Champions Trophy Final
Match Situation:
Chasing 230. India 66/4. Match in balance.
The Story:
Rain-affected final. India chasing 230 in 20 overs.
Early wickets put India under pressure.
Dhoni anchored the chase with Virat Kohli.
India won by 5 runs (D/L method).
The treble was complete. History was made.
Impact:
Only captain to win all three ICC trophies (T20 WC, ODI WC, Champions Trophy).
The Farewell
Last International Match - 2019 World Cup
Match Situation:
Semi-final. India chasing 240. Dhoni fighting till the end.
The Story:
The semi-final. India needed 239 to win.
At 92/6, Dhoni walked in. One last time.
He fought, he ran, he tried everything.
A run-out ended his innings at 50.
India lost. The curtain fell on an era.
Impact:
His last international match. A heartbreaking end to a glorious career.