A Stellar Career Recognized
Former India captain MS Dhoni has been inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame in the 2025 batch, a recognition of his remarkable 14-year international career. Dhoni, known for his leadership and contributions to Indian cricket, is the only captain to have won all three ICC senior white-ball trophies: the 50-over World Cup, the T20 World Cup, and the Champions Trophy. Under his leadership, India also reached the top spot in the ICC Test rankings in the late 2000s.
Dhoni’s Legacy in International Cricket
During his career, Dhoni played 350 ODIs, scoring 10,773 runs. ODIs were his most productive format, but he also played 90 Test matches and 98 T20Is, amassing more than 15,000 international runs. Dhoni hit 16 centuries and made 829 dismissals as a wicketkeeper. His career began in December 2004, and his achievements over the years have firmly established him as one of cricket’s greatest players.
Records and Achievements
- Only Captain to Win All Three ICC Trophies: Dhoni is the only player to have won the ICC 50-over World Cup (2007), the ICC T20 World Cup (2007), and the ICC Champions Trophy (2013).
- Most Successful Wicketkeeper in ICC Events: Dhoni holds the record for the most dismissals by a wicketkeeper in ICC tournaments.
- Finisher Extraordinaire: Known for his finishing abilities, Dhoni led India to numerous thrilling wins in ODIs and T20Is, notably his match-winning knock of 91* in the 2007 T20 World Cup final.
- Captaincy Record: Dhoni captained India in 332 matches, the most for any Indian captain, and led them to 178 wins across formats.
- Test Record: Dhoni led India to the No. 1 spot in the ICC Test rankings for the first time in 2009 and held the top position for over 18 months.
Other Legends Inducted
The 2025 Hall of Fame induction also honored Graeme Smith and Hashim Amla from South Africa. Smith, who became the youngest captain at 22, led South Africa in more than 100 Tests. Amla, who played under Smith, accumulated over 8,000 runs in ODIs and more than 9,000 runs in Tests, with 56 centuries to his name.
Matthew Hayden, an explosive opening batter from Australia, and Daniel Vettori, a crafty left-arm spinner from New Zealand, also received the honor. Hayden scored 8,625 runs in 103 Tests, including the record-highest Test score by an Australian, 380 against Zimbabwe. Vettori, one of New Zealand’s most reliable bowlers, took 362 wickets in 113 Tests and 305 wickets in 295 ODIs. He also scored over 4,500 runs internationally.
Contributions from Women’s Cricket
Two trailblazers from the women’s game were also inducted: Sarah Taylor from England and Sana Mir from Pakistan. Taylor is regarded as one of the finest wicketkeepers in women’s cricket, scoring over 6,500 international runs across 226 matches. Sana Mir, a key figure in Pakistan women’s cricket, captained the side in 137 matches. She took 240 international wickets and scored over 1,600 runs.
Conclusion
These five cricketing legends have made a lasting impact on the sport, both through their on-field achievements and off-field contributions. Their induction into the ICC Hall of Fame is a well-deserved recognition of their extraordinary careers.
