Legendary Indian captain and former wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni, who is even referred to as the greatest Indian cricketer of all time by many fans and greats of the game, is celebrating his 42nd birthday on Friday (July 7). The only captain in the history of the game who has managed to win all three ICC white-ball trophies as captain was born in Ranchi, and after making his debut at the age of 23 against Bangladesh in December 2004, went on to establish himself as one of the greatest, if not 'the greatest' cricketers of the world.
He represented Team India at the highest level for almost 15 years and during his time, helped the side win many memorable matches and tournament. It was under his leadership only that India managed to win the inaugural edition of ICC Men's T20 World Cup in South Africa in 2007 and then ended the 28-year-long wait for an ODI World Cup title as well on April 2, 2011 in front of home fans at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Dhoni, who only plays in IPL for Chenani Super Kings and won fifth title earlier this year was known for his leadership, wicketkeeping, batting and surprising everyone with his unexpected decisions. And on his special day, when the 'Captain Cool' is celebrating his 42nd birthday, here's a look at seven such occasions when he stunned everyone with his unexpected decisions:
Giving final over of T20 World Cup final to Joginder Sharma
India was up against Pakistan in the final of the inaugural edition of ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2007 in Johannesburg on September 24 and was defending a modest total of 158 runs. And in the summit clash when 13 runs were needed of the final over, Dhoni handed the ball to Joginder Sharma and not Harbhajan Singh. His decision to give the over to inexperience Joginder turned out to be a masterstroke as on the third ball he got rid of Misbah-ul-Haq to seal India's triumph by five runs.
Chopped his long hair after T20 WC win and shaved his head after ODI WC triumph
When Dhoni made his debut for Team India on December 23, 2004, in Chattogram against Bangladesh, he used to sport long hair and for more than two and a half years he played with long hairs, which later became a style statement among youngsters as Dhoni continued to impress. In the 2007 T20 World Cup as well Dhoni played with long hairs but after India's win in the summit clash, he surprised everyone by cutting his long hair and sporting an entirely new look. And if his short hair look was a surprise for fans then after India's win in 2011 ODI World Cup, Dhoni pulls another rabbit out of his hat and shaved his entire head after India's triumph.
Asked Sourav Ganguly to lead during the final session of his farewell Test
Sourav Ganguly was also one of the greatest Indian captains and during his farewell Test which was against Australia in Nagpur from November 6 to 10, 2008, Dhoni surprised 'Dada' by asking him to lead the Indian team for one last time during the final session of last day's play.
The Marriage with Sakshi that no one knew
Dhoni tied the knot with Sakshi Singh Rawat on July 4, 2010, in Dehradun in a private ceremony and hardly anyone had any idea about this development. Dhoni was the Indian captain at that time and was very popular among masses and rightly so when his wedding pictures came out, it shocked everyone.
Promoting himself over Yuvraj Singh in 2011 ODI World Cup final
Dhoni was horribly out of form in ODI World Cup 2011 but out the blue on the night of the final against Sri Lanka at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, he decided to promote himself above in-form Yuvraj Singh. That moved turned out to be the game changing moment in the title-decider and Dhoni helped India win the ODI World Cup title by remaining not out on 91 runs from 79 balls. The clip of Dhoni hitting the six down the ground on Sri Lankan pacer Nuwan Kulasekara's bowling is still fresh in everyone's mind.
Shocking retirement from Tests in 2014 and international cricket on August 15,2020
Dhoni was the captain of Indian Test team during Australia tour in 2014-2015 but after the end of third Test in Melbourne on December 30, 2014, out of nowhere he decided to call time on his red-ball career. "One of India's greatest Test Captains under whose leadership India became the No. 1 team in the Test Rankings MS Dhoni, has decided to retire from Test Cricket citing the strain of playing all formats of Cricket," the BCCI said in a statement. "MS Dhoni has chosen to retire from Test Cricket with immediate effect in order to concentrate on ODI and T20 formats. BCCI while respecting the decision of MS Dhoni to retire from Test Cricket, wishes to thank him for his enormous contribution to Test Cricket and the laurels that he has brought to India," it added.
Dhoni who hasn't played any international match for India for more than a year since featuring in the first semifinal of the ODI World Cup 2019, which India lost by 18 runs against New Zealand on July 10, 2019, in Manchester, announced his retirement from international cricket on August 15, 2020. He was not very active on social media but chose Instagram to post a video which features highlights of international career to notify everyone about his decision. He captioned the video, "Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout.from 1929 hrs consider me as Retired."
Stepped down from captaincy
On January 4, 2017, in another decision which nobody was expecting Dhoni announced his decision to step down from white-ball captaincy of the Indian team. At that time, India was preparing to take on England in three-match ODI and three-match T20I series. Dhoni clarified his stance that he would be available for selection as a player but won't lead the side. And just like just two days before the start of IPL 2022, Dhoni quit CSK captaincy and passed on the baton to Ravindra Jadeja. But he did assume the role back mid-season after Jadeja gave up.