Fans of former India captain MS Dhoni gathered near his residence in Ranchi on July 7 to celebrate his 45th birthday, carrying posters, cutting cakes, and expressing their admiration for the legendary cricketer.
Fans gather outside Dhoni's home
Supporters assembled outside Dhoni's house to mark the occasion, with many celebrating his remarkable contribution to Indian cricket. They expressed hope to see him play again on his home ground before his retirement.
One fan told ANI: "Whenever we see him, he always looks fit. We want him to stay that way and continue to inspire us. We urge him to play at least one match in Ranchi before his final game, so that this wish of his fans can be fulfilled."
Dhoni's inspiring journey
Dhoni has one of the most inspiring journeys in sports history. From working as a ticket collector at a railway station, he transformed into India's most successful trophy collector, leading the team to ICC T20 World Cup 2007, ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, and ICC Champions Trophy 2013 as captain.
He made his international debut in 2004 and gained a reputation as a ferocious hitter, later evolving into a finisher who guided his team to wins with calculated aggression and tactical brilliance.
Remarkable career statistics
With 17,266 international runs, 829 dismissals, and 538 appearances across formats for India, Dhoni is considered one of the greatest cricketers. He redefined the role of a wicketkeeper-batter and transformed India's approach to limited-overs cricket.
In 350 ODIs, Dhoni scored 10,773 runs at an average of 50.57, including 10 centuries and 73 half-centuries, with a highest score of 183 not out. He is India's sixth-highest ODI run-scorer. Remarkably, he accumulated over 10,000 ODI runs while batting predominantly in the middle order, maintaining an average above 50 despite often arriving at the crease under pressure.
Dhoni led India in 200 ODIs, winning 110 and losing 74, with five ties and 11 no-results, giving him a winning percentage of 55.
T20I and Test legacy
In 98 T20Is, Dhoni scored 1,617 runs at an average of 37.60 and a strike rate of 126.13, with two half-centuries and a highest score of 56. As captain, he guided India to its maiden ICC T20 World Cup title in 2007. He led India in 72 T20Is, winning 41, losing 28, with one tie and two no-results, achieving a win percentage of 56.94.
In Tests, Dhoni played 90 matches, scoring 4,876 runs at an average of 38.09, with six centuries and 33 half-centuries, including a best of 224. He is the 14th-highest Test scorer for India. As Test captain, he led India in 60 matches, winning 27, losing 18, and drawing 15, with a win percentage of 45. He guided India to the No. 1 spot in the ICC Test Rankings for the first time.
Dhoni is the only Indian captain to whitewash Australia in a Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, achieving 4-0 victories in both the 2010-11 and 2012-13 home series.
Affectionately known as 'Mahi', Dhoni's legacy continues to inspire fans worldwide.
