Was third ODI Dhoni's last international match in India?
Post the third ODI, India's batting coach Sanjay Bangar informed that former skipper MS Dhoni has been rested for the remaining two ODIs against Australia. This has led to fans speculating that Ranchi ODI might have been his last international match in India. With calls of his retirement getting louder, we take a look at his illustrious career in India.
A healthy domestic career
Dhoni made a heroic start to his domestic cricket career, playing for Central Coal Fields Limited (CCL). He was soon selected in the Bihar Ranji team during 1999-2000 season, where he scored a half-century on debut and scored 283 runs in five matches of the season. He later played for Jharkhand from 2002-03 season, while he also made an impact playing in Deodhar Trophy.
The start of Dhoni's era in ODIs in India
After making his white-ball debut in 2004, Dhoni played his first ODI in India in 2005. He has since then scored 4,351 runs in 127 matches at an average of 53.71, including seven centuries. His highest score remains an unbeaten 183 that came against Sri Lanka in Jaipur in 2005. Interestingly, he has 99 ODI catches, along with 48 stumpings.
A short, but illustrious career in Test cricket
Surprisingly, Dhoni decided to cut short his Test career in 2014 to focus on ODIs. He made his Test debut in 2005 and has played 42 Tests in the country, scoring 2,380 runs at an average of 45.76, including five centuries. His highest score is 224, which he achieved against Australia in 2013. He also has 102 catches and 25 stumpings to his name.
A force to reckon with in T20Is
Dhoni has enjoyed a good run in the shortest format of the sport at home. Having made his debut in 2006, he played his first T20I in India in 2007. Since then, he has played 33 games in the country, scoring 670 runs at an average of 44.66, while his highest score is 56. He has 14 catches and 15 stumpings in the format.
One of the greatest captains for Team India across formats
Dhoni led India to the World Cup win in 2011. As for ODIs, Dhoni has captained in 73 matches, which includes 43 wins and 26 losses, along with a tied match. In Tests, he has led in 30 matches and pocketed 21 wins, along with just three losses. While in T20Is, he has played just 20 matches as captain and has a 50-50 record.
Not just numbers, Dhoni's calmness counts as well
Dhoni is also famous for his calmness on the field, even under pressure situations. Courtesy of his composure, Dhoni is able to use his analytical brain and mostly take right decisions, allowing him to win matches. The famous incident of Dhoni giving the ball to rookie Joginder Sharma in World T20 2007 final is still afresh in our minds. There are numerous other examples.
Dhoni believes in his bowlers, gives them proper advice
Kuldeep Yadav, on Dhoni's advice to bowlers, said, "He just gives inputs, small tips, which really help us during games. It's a lot of fun playing with him. He has played such high levels of cricket, and done so much for India."
Can Dhoni continue to play post World Cup?
The fate of Dhoni post the World Cup is uncertain. Although it is being speculated that he could hang his boots after the tournament, he could still continue to play, provided he performs in England. Nonetheless, it won't be a bad idea if he decides to step away and give other deserving young candidates a chance to make their mark.
