MS Dhoni Inducted into ICC Hall of Fame 2025: A Look at His Legendary Career

Dhoni’s Excellence Across All Formats

MS Dhoni played 538 international matches, scoring 17,266 runs and completing 829 dismissals, showcasing his all-round skills as a batter and wicketkeeper. He hit 16 centuries and 108 fifties across formats, with his best scores being 224 in Tests and 183* in ODIs.

In Test cricket, he scored 4,876 runs in 90 matches at an average of 38.09 and made 294 dismissals, with his standout performance coming in 2013 against Australia in Chennai. He retired from Tests in 2014.

MS Dhoni featured in 350 One Day Internationals, where he amassed 10,773 runs with an outstanding batting average of 50.57 and notched up 10 centuries during his career. One of his most iconic performances came in the 2011 World Cup final, where he remained unbeaten on 91, guiding India to a historic victory. In T20Is, he played 98 games and scored 1,617 runs, hitting 116 fours and 52 sixes. The ICC praised him for his consistent performance, fitness, and long career.

MS Dhoni’s Explosive Debut 

Dhoni entered the Indian team in 2004 as a bold and unconventional wicketkeeper-batter. His unique glove work and explosive batting redefined the role, breaking away from the safe, traditional style. Though his debut ended in a duck, he quickly rose to fame with a stunning 148 against Pakistan in 2005, proving he was a game-changer.

In October, Dhoni scored a brilliant 183* off 145 balls against Sri Lanka in Jaipur, the highest by a wicketkeeper in ODIs and in a successful chase then. It marked the beginning of his iconic career as a calm and dependable finisher.

MS Dhoni’s Rise as a Leader in T20 and Test Cricket

MS Dhoni's calm and clear approach earned him the captaincy for the 2007 T20 World Cup. India, with a young and untested squad, had low expectations after a poor 50-over World Cup. Under Dhoni’s leadership, fearless players like Rohit Sharma and RP Singh stepped up. India won the title, defeating Pakistan in a thrilling final to become the first T20 champions. This victory began a new era of success and confirmed Dhoni as a great leader.

Dhoni’s success as a leader wasn’t just in limited-overs cricket, he also led India to the No.1 spot in Test rankings for the first time in 2009. Though his batting style was unorthodox and aggressive, he still made a strong impact in Test matches. Despite not fitting the typical mold for a Test batter, he found ways to succeed. In only his fifth Test, he showed his class with a quickfire 148 against Pakistan in Faisalabad.

Cricket Legends Join ICC Hall of Fame 2025

The International Cricket Council (ICC) inducted seven new cricket greats into its Hall of Fame during a grand ceremony at Abbey Road Studios in London. iCC Chairman Jay Sah congratulated the legends for their remarkable contributions to the game .

New ICC Hall of Fame Inductees:

Matthew Hayden

Matthew Hayden is one of Australia’s most destructive opening batters, was known for his aggressive style and consistent run-scoring. With over 8,600 Test runs at an average of more than 50 and two World Cup titles under his belt. His power-hitting, especially in the 2007 World Cup where he was the top run-scorer, makes his Hall of Fame entry well-deserved.

Hashim Amla

Hashim Amla, the stylish South African top-order batter, made a name for himself with calmness, class, and consistency. He scored over 9,000 runs in Tests and more than 8,000 in ODIs. Amla was the first South African to hit a triple century in Tests and was a key figure in taking South Africa to the No.1 Test ranking. 

Graeme Smith

South Africa’s youngest-ever Test captain, was known for his tough leadership and strong opening performances. With more than 9,000 Test runs, Smith led his team through one of its most successful periods. 

Daniel Vettori

Daniel Vettori, New Zealand’s left-arm spin wizard, was a true all-rounder with over 4,500 Test runs and 362 wickets. He led New Zealand with distinction and was one of the few players in cricket history to achieve the 300 wickets and 4,000 runs milestone in Tests.

Sana Mir

Sana Mir made history by becoming the first Pakistani woman to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. With 151 ODI wickets and over 1,600 runs, she was a key figure in women's cricket. Off the shield, Sana was a strong voice for mental health awareness and social causes. 

Sarah Taylor

Sarah Taylor, England’s legendary wicketkeeper-batter, was known for her brilliant glovework and elegant batting. She played a major role in England’s 2009 and 2017 World Cup wins and finished her career with over 4,000 ODI runs and 138 dismissals.