Former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame, the sport’s highest individual honour, as part of the Class of 2025.
The announcement was made on Monday, with Dhoni being one of eight cricketers – including two women – to receive the prestigious recognition.
Joining Dhoni in the elite group are former Australian opener Matthew Hayden, South African stalwarts Graeme Smith and Hashim Amla, and ex-New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori. On the women’s side, the honour was also extended to former England wicketkeeper-batter Sarah Taylor and former Pakistan captain Sana Mir.
In a statement, the International Cricket Council (ICC) lauded Dhoni as a player whose legacy transcends statistics.
“Celebrated for his calm under pressure and unmatched tactical nous, but also a trailblazer in the shorter formats, MS Dhoni’s legacy as one of the game’s greatest finishers, leaders and wicketkeepers has been honoured with his induction,” the ICC noted.
A Career of Unmatched Consistency
Dhoni’s career, which spanned 538 international matches, is studded with both team triumphs and individual milestones. He amassed 17,266 international runs, effected 829 dismissals, and redefined the role of the wicketkeeper-batter in modern cricket.
As captain, he led India to three major ICC titles — the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, the 2011 ODI World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy — making him the only skipper to achieve the treble.
Reflecting on the honour, Dhoni said,
“It is an honour to be named in the ICC Hall of Fame, which recognises the contributions of cricketers across generations and from all over the world. To have your name remembered alongside such all-time greats is a wonderful feeling. It is something that I will cherish forever.”
Leadership and Legacy
Dhoni’s leadership credentials are equally impressive. He captained India in 60 Tests, winning 27, drawing 18, and losing 15. His record in 200 ODIs as captain — the most by any Indian — includes 110 wins, 74 losses, with 16 games ending in ties or no result. In 72 T20Is as skipper, India won 41 matches.
Known for his composure and astute game-reading abilities, Dhoni turned high-pressure moments into opportunities. His match-winning six in the 2011 World Cup final remains etched in cricketing folklore.
A Trailblazer with the Bat and Behind the Stumps
Dhoni’s impact was not limited to leadership. He redefined wicketkeeping with his unconventional yet razor-sharp technique. The ICC described his glove work as “unorthodox, yet extraordinarily effective,” noting his ability to execute stumpings and run-outs with remarkable speed and precision.
With the bat, Dhoni was a pioneer. In ODIs, he scored 10,773 runs at an average of 50.57, including 10 centuries and 73 fifties — a rare feat for a middle-order wicketkeeper. He remains India’s highest-scoring wicketkeeper-batter.
His Test record includes 4,876 runs in 90 matches, with six centuries. In T20Is, Dhoni scored 1,617 runs at an average of 37.60.
“At a time when Indian wicketkeepers were expected to play it safe, Dhoni came out swinging – both literally and metaphorically,” the ICC remarked.
A Captain Who Sparked a New Era
The ICC credited Dhoni with ushering in a new era in Indian cricket, particularly after the unexpected T20 World Cup triumph in 2007 in South Africa.
“The victory confirmed that the future of India’s leadership was in safe hands,” the ICC said. “What followed was a period of sustained success across formats and the rise of Dhoni as one of the most influential captains the game has ever seen.”
With his Hall of Fame induction, MS Dhoni joins an illustrious list of cricketing legends, cementing his status not just as a modern great but as one of the sport’s all-time icons.
