12 Special Facts About Mahendra Singh Dhoni, The Man Who Changed The Face Of Indian Cricket

If there is one cricketer who has changed the face of Indian cricket completely, Indian cricket completely, it’s none other than Mahendra Singh Dhoni. A wicket-keeper batsman from the small town of Ranchi, Dhoni has won accolades from all over the world with his stellar performance in all formats of the game. An explosive batsman in the beginning of his career, Dhoni changed his style of play to suit the needs of the team and earned the tag ‘Captain Cool’ for his ability to remain calm during crucial moments of the game.

Not just on the field, MSD has won hearts off the field too. He has shown engagement in various social causes and is probably the most loved Indian player of current times. Here are 12 special facts and moments from the life and times of Mahendra Singh Dhoni that every fan must know about.

1. Did you know he got out on a duck on debut – a rare golden duck

MS Dhoni made his international debut against Bangladesh on December 23, 2004, at Chittagong. It wasn’t a dream debut for Mahi as he got run out on the first ball he played. No one would have thought that day that this man would go on to become one of the finest cricketers the world has ever seen.

 

2. He scored a career-defining 148 against Pakistan at Visakhapatnam

Although Dhoni did not have a great debut series against Bangladesh, he was picked for the ODI series against Pakistan. On April 5, 2005, Dhoni, playing in only his 5th ODI, scored a blistering 148 in 123 balls against a Pakistani bowling line-up consisting the likes of Abdul Razzaq, Mohammad Sami and Naved-ul-Hasan.

It was this very match that announced MS Dhoni on the world stage as an utterly dangerous player.

 

3.  Even Pervez Musharraf took notice of him and advised him to keep his long hair

In 2006, the Indian team played a match against Pakistan at Lahore. M S Dhoni used to have long hair at that time and was declared the man of the match for his 72* off 60 balls. General Pervez Musharraf, the then President of Pakistan and an avid cricket fan, requested Mahi to not get a haircut during the presentation ceremony.

He said, “a lot of placards in the crowd have suggested that you should get a haircut, but if you take my advice, you look good in this hairstyle.”

 

4. His signature blind-runouts

Not just a great batsman, MS Dhoni established himself as an amazing wicket-keeper as well. He is currently the third most successful wicket-keeper ever in the history of the game with a total of 716 dismissals across all formats. MSD is known for his incredibly swift stumpings and blind runouts. The GIF here showcases Dhoni’s skills as a keeper in an ODI against New Zealand in 2016.

 

5. When he won the World T20 for India

When Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid decided to not play in the inaugural World T20 in South Africa in the year 2007, Dhoni was given the command of the national team. No one was considering India in the race of winning the tournament as we had only played one international T20 before it.

However, Mahi showed his leadership skills as India thrashed giants like England, Australia and Pakistan and against all odds, won the championship.

 

6. When he hit a magnificent sixer to win the World Cup!

It was 2011, and the World Cup was being played in the Indian sub-continent. India last won the tournament under the captainship of Kapil Dev in the year 1983. Brilliant performances throughout the tournament by all players assured India a seat in the final.

Chasing a target of 275, India lost both Sachin and Sehwag for just 31 runs and two gritty and determined innings of 97 and 91* from Gautam Gambhir and MS Dhoni respectively that won the cup for India after 28 long years! The highlight of the inning was Dhoni’s six into the stands that sealed the game for India.

 

7. Did you know that he is an honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Territorial army?

MS Dhoni has always been an ardent fan of the Indian army. According to him, he always wanted to join the forces and serve the nation since he was a young boy. When he met the Chief of Army Staff and expressed his desire of getting into the army, he was appointed as an honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the Parachute regiment of the Indian army.

 

8. He has roots in Uttarakhand and is the honorary wildlife warden of the state’s tiger conservation campaign

M S Dhoni was born and brought up in Ranchi, Jharkhand but his roots are in Almora district of Uttrakhand. His parents belong to the hill state and moved to Ranchi for work.

He was appointed as the first honorary wildlife warden for the tiger conservation campaigns in Corbett and Rajaji National Parks of the state in 2010 by the then Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhariyal Nishank.

 

9. He co-owns ISL team Chennaiyan FC along with Abhishek Bachchan

An avid football fan, MS Dhoni played tyhe game in school as a goalkeeper. His love for the game is still very much alive as he is often seen playing football while practicing. The Indian skipper is also a co-owner of the Indian Super League team ‘Chennaiyan FC’ and is often seen cheering his players during the season.

 

10. He may have a huge collection of expensive bikes now, but his first motorcycle was an Escorts Rajdoot

My first bike pic.twitter.com/Die1cZ22YW

— Mahendra Singh Dhoni (@msdhoni) September 12, 2013

Dhoni’s love for bikes is no secret to the world. He is a huge motorhead and has a huge collection of superbikes like the Confederate Hellcat X132, Kawasaki Ninja H2, Harley Davidson Fat Boy and Yamaha Thundercat.  Mahi also owns a Hummer and recently the Kiwi players were seen drooling over his ride in Ranchi. However, Dhoni’s first bike was a simple Escorts Rajdoot which he still proudly keeps in his garage.

 

11. He loves to wear camouflage

MS Dhoni & Jasprit Bumrah at Miami Airport #WIvIND pic.twitter.com/oPvuBmivfM

— CricFit (@CricFit) August 25, 2016

Dhoni’s love for army doesn’t end when he enters the field. The iconic cricketer likes to have his cricketing gear personalised with camouflage patterns printed on his gloves and kit bags.

 

12. He owns an FIM Supersport World Racing team named ‘Mahi Racing Team India’

Dhoni’s love for bikes has made him the owner of a bike racing team named ‘Mahi Racing Team India’ that competes in the Supersport World Championship. Telugu actor Akkineni Nagarjuna is also an owner of the team.

A living legend, Mahendra Singh Dhoni has given us a lot of moments to cherish over his career. He may not be playing test cricket anymore, but we wish that we get to see much more of Mahi in the years to come.

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