Former Indian skipper MS Dhoni has added another illustrious feather to his already glittering cap by being inducted into the prestigious ICC Hall of Fame. The announcement was made ahead of the World Test Championship final at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, cementing Dhoni’s legacy as one of the greatest cricketers in history.
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The Architect of India’s Golden Era
MS Dhoni’s career stands as a monumental chapter in Indian cricket. Debuting in 2004, Dhoni rose from a small-town cricketer from Ranchi to global superstardom. His calm demeanor under pressure, unconventional captaincy, and mastery of the game shaped one of India’s most successful periods across formats.
The hallmark of Dhoni’s tenure as captain was his unparalleled success in white-ball cricket. He remains the only leader to have won the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup (2007), the ICC Cricket World Cup (2011), and the ICC Champions Trophy (2013)—an achievement no other captain has replicated. Under his leadership, India also ascended to the No.1 Test ranking in 2009, establishing Dhoni’s reputation as a tactician across formats.
A Record That Speaks Volumes
Dhoni’s numbers are as impressive as his achievements. In his 350 One Day Internationals, he amassed 10,773 runs at an average of over 50, firmly establishing himself as one of the best finishers the sport has ever seen. Across his 90 Test appearances and 98 T20 Internationals, Dhoni accumulated over 15,000 runs and 16 centuries, while also excelling behind the stumps with 829 dismissals.
His legacy is not merely numerical. The six he struck to seal India’s 2011 World Cup triumph remains one of cricket’s most iconic moments. More than the runs, wickets, or trophies, it was Dhoni’s ability to lead and inspire that truly set him apart.
“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,” Dhoni said after the announcement. “To have your name remembered alongside such all-time greats is a wonderful feeling. It is something that I will cherish forever.”
2025 Induction Class: A Galaxy of Legends
Joining Dhoni in the ICC Hall of Fame Class of 2025 are some of the biggest names from global cricket.
Graeme Smith, former South Africa captain, was also inducted. Smith famously took charge of South Africa at just 22 years old and became the only player to captain a Test side in over 100 matches, leading his team 109 times in Tests and winning 53 of them.
Smith’s teammate, Hashim Amla, also earned a spot in the elite club. Known for his elegant strokeplay and serene presence at the crease, Amla scored over 8000 Test runs at an average close to 50 and amassed 9282 runs in ODIs. He also holds the distinction of being the first South African to hit a triple century in Tests—an unbeaten 311 against England in 2012.
“It is an honour to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, especially alongside Graeme,” Amla shared. Smith added, “This is also a proud moment for South Africa, as two of us have got recognition this year.”
Other Inductees: Icons Across Eras
Australia’s Matthew Hayden was also part of this celebrated class. Renowned for his aggressive batting style, Hayden’s dominance at the top of the order shaped Australia’s cricketing supremacy in the 2000s. His 8625 Test runs, including a then world record 380 against Zimbabwe, and pivotal role in Australia’s 2007 ODI World Cup win highlight his remarkable career.
New Zealand’s Daniel Vettori, one of the game’s premier left-arm spinners, also took his place among the greats. With 362 Test wickets, 305 ODI scalps, and over 4500 international runs, Vettori exemplified all-round excellence and led New Zealand with quiet authority during his playing days.
Trailblazers from the women’s game also joined the elite list. England’s Sarah Taylor, a generational wicketkeeping talent, was recognised for her elegance with the bat and brilliance behind the stumps. Meanwhile, Sana Mir became the first Pakistani woman to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, a fitting tribute to her pioneering influence on Pakistan women’s cricket.
“From dreaming as a little girl that one day there would even be a women’s team in our country to now standing here, inducted among the very legends I idolised long before I ever held a bat or a ball – this is a moment I couldn’t have dared to imagine,” Mir said.
Taylor reflected on her induction by saying, “Being inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame is one of the best moments of my life and truly feels like a dream come true.”
FAQs
When was MS Dhoni inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame?
MS Dhoni was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame in 2025, just before the World Test Championship final at Lord’s.
What makes MS Dhoni’s Hall of Fame induction special?
Dhoni is the only captain in cricket history to have won the ICC T20 World Cup, the ICC Cricket World Cup, and the ICC Champions Trophy, alongside taking India to the top of the ICC Test rankings.
How many international runs and dismissals did MS Dhoni achieve?
Across formats, Dhoni scored over 15,000 international runs, hit 16 centuries, and effected 829 dismissals as a wicketkeeper.
Who were the other cricketers inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame in 2025?
The 2025 batch included Graeme Smith, Hashim Amla, Matthew Hayden, Daniel Vettori, Sarah Taylor, and Sana Mir alongside Dhoni.
What is MS Dhoni’s most memorable cricket moment?
One of Dhoni’s most iconic moments is hitting the winning six in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup final, securing India’s second ODI World Cup title.
