MS Dhoni Archives

Salman Ali Agha breaks world record, surpasses Dravid, Yousuf, Dhoni

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan T20I captain Salman Ali Agha has surpassed legends like Rahul Dravid, MS Dhoni, and Mohammad Yousuf to set a world record for playing the most international matches in a single calendar year.

Agha achieved the milestone during Pakistan’s 69-run victory over Zimbabwe in the T20I tri-series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Pakistan have played a total of 54 international matches in 2025 so far, the most by any team this year, with the West Indies being next–best with 45 matches.

Agha, who is Pakistan’s mainstay across formats, is the only player to feature in all of these games this year.

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Remarkably, this tally also equals Pakistan’s record for most matches in a calendar year, first set in 2013.

Agha, by featuring in 54 matches, eclipsed the previous joint record of 53 appearances held by Dravid (1999), Yousuf (2000), and Dhoni (2007).

The feat of surpassing 50 international matches in a single year is rare, first achieved by Sachin Tendulkar in 1997, and more recently by New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell, who played 51 games in 2023.

Most international matches in a calendar year

Salman Ali Agha (Pakistan) – 54, 2025
Rahul Dravid (India) – 53, 1999
Mohammad Yousuf (Pakistan) – 53, 2000
MS Dhoni (India/Asia XI) – 53, 2007
Lance Klusener (South Africa) – 52, 2000
Paul Collingwood (England) – 52, 2007
Angelo Mathews (Sri Lanka) – 52, 2014
Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 51, 1997
Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand) – 51, 2023

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BCCI eyes MS Dhoni as mentor for T20 World Cup 2026: reports

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly considering bringing MS Dhoni back into the national setup, this time as team mentor for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, according to Indian media.

The tournament, scheduled for February–March, will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. While Dhoni has yet to give his response, the BCCI is said to be keen on securing his services once again.

If confirmed, this would mark Dhoni’s second spell in the role after previously mentoring the side during the 2021 edition in the UAE.

The 44-year-old remains one of India’s most celebrated captains, having led the team to three ICC titles – the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy.

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Reports, however, suggest that MS Dhoni may decline the approach this time around. His decision could hinge on the possible involvement of Gautam Gambhir in the team management.

The two share iconic memories from India’s 2007 and 2011 triumphs but have often been perceived as holding contrasting views on the game.

The BCCI, nevertheless, remains hopeful of a positive outcome as preparations for the 2026 World Cup gather pace.

READ: AB de Villiers names THIS Pakistani player in his Top Five cricketers’ list

Buttler ranks Pant above Dhoni among top five wicketkeepers

England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler has hailed India’s Rishabh Pant as one of the best in the world, placing him at the very top during a blind ranking challenge conducted by British media during The Hundred.

Buttler was presented with an intriguing challenge: to rank five renowned wicketkeepers from various cricketing eras, all without prior knowledge of the complete list of names.

The selections provided to him included prominent figures such as Rishabh Pant, the legendary MS Dhoni, the versatile AB de Villiers, the dynamic Quinton de Kock, and, interestingly, himself.

The former England cricket captain designated Rishabh Pant as his top choice, highlighting the Indian batter’s impressive performances in recent matches.

Following closely behind at the second spot was South African star Quinton de Kock, who has also shone brightly in the international arena.

Interestingly, Buttler placed the legendary Indian wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni at number four, a decision that raised eyebrows given Dhoni’s iconic status in cricket history.

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As Buttler moved down the list, he encountered the name of AB de Villiers. It was at this moment that he admitted to having “messed up” the order, ultimately deciding to slot the South African cricketing great into the third position.

In a humble conclusion to his ranking exercise, Buttler positioned himself at the bottom of the list.

Speaking after the challenge, Jos Buttler reflected on his admiration for MS Dhoni.

“MS is quite an amazing cricketer. I love the way he leaves people guessing; he doesn’t ride on emotions and always seems one step ahead,” he said.

“He intrigued me with his thinking and the way he made things simple. During the IPL in 2020, I was fortunate to receive his jersey, which was really special.”

READ: Two Pakistan legends named in Lockie Ferguson’s all-time Top Five Test Pacers

‘I was surprised’: New Zealand pacer recalls MS Dhoni’s 2019 semi-final knock

New Zealand speedster Lockie Ferguson has shared his thoughts on former India captain MS Dhoni knock in the semi-final of the 2019 World Cup.

Chasing a challenging target of 240, India were in all sorts of trouble at 71-5 IN Manchester.

Nevertheless, Dhoni steadied the Indian innings in the crucial encounter, bringing the total to 178-6 in 44 overs.

However, the stalwart’s batting in the last phase of the innings came under scrutiny and sparked debate among cricket pundits.

With 52 runs required of 31 balls, Dhoni had scored 10 runs of Ferguson’s over; however, he decided to leave the last ball of the over with the required rate mounting.

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During an interview on an Indian sports platform, Lockie Ferguson recalled the moment and expressed at Dhoni’s decision to leave the ball during such a crucial time.

“I can’t remember what they were needing to chase at the time, but I knew they had to score a few runs. The plan was to bowl and see if MS would undercut it, and he left it. So I was surprised because naturally, when you’re bowling, you’re trying to restrict runs, then it’s nice when a batter leaves it,” he said.

“But I think the next over, the first ball, I tried again, and he just got it over the boundary for six. So the plan almost worked the second time as well. But it was nice to get him out that game and, of course, get across the line in the semi-final,” he added.

Eventually, MS Dhoni was run out courtesy of a direct hit from Martin Guptill after scoring 50 off 70 balls, with India requiring 24 runs off nine deliveries.

As a result, the Men in Blue were knocked out of the tournament, falling 18 runs short of the target.

It is worth noting that the semi-final match against New Zealand turned out to be the final game for MS Dhoni in the Indian jersey—the captain who led India to victory in the 2011 World Cup.

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Here’s why MS Dhoni’s iconic nickname ‘Captain Cool’ can no Longer be used

Former India captain MS Dhoni has filed an application to register the trademark for the nickname ‘Captain Cool’, which has been accepted and published under the Trademark Registry of India.

The moniker has been associated with Dhoni in demonstration of his calm demeanour on the field.

The trademark will be approved if no objections or opposition are raised by any third party within three months of acceptance. ‘Captain Cool’ trademark is filed under the categories related to sports training.

According to the Trademark Registry portal, the application status is ‘approved and advertised’. MS Dhoni filed the application for trademark registration in June 2023.

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At the start of the month, a company named Prabha Skill Sports (OPC) Pvt Ltd had also filed a similar application for the phrase ‘Captain Cool’. However, that application is currently listed as needing corrections.

Earlier this month, the 2011 World Cup-winning captain, MS Dhoni, was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame for 2025 for his notable contributions to the game.

“Celebrated for his calm under pressure and unmatched tactical nous, but also a trailblazer in the shorter formats, MS Dhoni’s legacy as one of the game’s greatest finishers, leaders and wicketkeepers has been honoured with his induction into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame,” the ICC statement had said.

Along with MS Dhoni, former Pakistan captain Sana Mir was also included in the ICC Hall of Fame.

With this inclusion, she became the first woman cricketer from the country to be inducted into the prestigious list.

The 38-year-old off-spinner, who represented Pakistan for nearly 15 years, joined an elite list of cricketing legends, becoming only the eighth Pakistani overall to receive this honour.

ICC Hall of Fame 2025 Inductees:

Sarah Taylor, Sana Mir, Daniel Vettori, Graeme Smith, MS Dhoni, Hashim Amla, and Matthew Hayden

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Babar Azam breaks MS Dhoni’s record during second ODI against South Africa

CAPETOWN: Pakistan batter Babar Azam not only ended his half-century drought but also surpassed former Indian captain MS Dhoni to achieve a coveted milestone during the second ODI against South Africa here on Thursday.

Pakistan thumped the hosts by 81 runs in the second ODI to take an unassailable 2-0 in the three-match series at Newlands.

The visitors posted 329 runs while batting first against South Africa, with Babar Azam scoring 73 runs from 95 balls with the help of seven boundaries.

This was Babar’s 33rd half-century in ODI cricket, but it was his first since November 2023. His last half-century was an unbeaten 66-run knock against New Zealand during the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 in India.

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With his 33rd half-century, Babar Azam surpassed the record of MS Dhoni for scoring the most 50+ scores against SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) countries across all formats.

Both players were tied on 38 scores of 50 or more against SENA countries, but this half-century took Babar’s tally to 39 such scores.

Notably, Babar formed a solid partnership of 115 runs for the third wicket with Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan.

Andile Phehlukwayo broke the partnership with the wicket of Babar, while Rizwan fell prey to Maphaka after playing a gutsy knock of 80 off 82, which featured ten boundaries, including three sixes.

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Kamran Ghulam then played a blinder of a knock, smashing 63 runs from 32 balls, peppered with five sixes and four boundaries. His innings helped Pakistan post 329 before they were bowled out on the final ball of the innings.

In response, South Africa were bundled out for 248 in 43.1 overs with Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah taking four and three wickets respectively.

Heinrich Klaasen waged a lone war for South Africa, hitting 97 runs from 74 balls with the help of eight boundaries and four sixes, but could not take his team across the line.

It’s worth noting that the third ODI is scheduled to be played in Johannesburg on December 22, followed by a two-match Test series, which will start from December 26.

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Yuvraj Singh’s father levels serious allegations against MS Dhoni

Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh’s father Yograj Singh levelled serious allegations against former Indian skipper MS Dhoni.

Yograj, who represented India in one Test and six ODIs, has been a regular critique of India’s World Cup-winning captain Dhoni.

Meanwhile, in his latest remarks, Yograj Singh accused MS Dhoni of destroying his son, Yuvraj Singh’s career, stating that the former captain will never be forgiven.

“I won’t forgive MS Dhoni. He should look at his face in the mirror. He is a very big cricketer, but what he has done against my son, everything is coming out now; it can never be forgiven in life, said Yograj while talking to the Zee Switch YouTube channel.

“I have never done two things in life – first, I have never forgiven anybody who has done wrong for me, and second, I have never hugged them in my life, be it my family members or my kids,” he continued.

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Earlier this year, Yograj claimed that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) lost the 17th edition of the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL) due to Dhoni. He further claimed that the former wicketkeeper batter is jealous of Yuvraj, who was named the ambassador of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

“CSK lost IPL 2024. Why did they lose? It’s whatever you sow, so shall you reap. Yuvraj Singh is the ICC Ambassador, hats off to him! And this jealous Dhoni, where is he? He didn’t even shake hands with Yuvraj, and that is the reason why CSK failed this year,” stated Yograj.

It is worth mentioning here that MS Dhoni called time on his illustrious career in August 2020. He etched his name as one of the most successful Indian captains, leading the nation to three ICC titles in a period of just six years.

On the other hand, Yuvraj Singh retired from international cricket, a year ago in 2019. His last appearance for India came in June that year against West Indies.

READ: Former Pakistan captain compares Babar’s technique to Tendulkar

MS Dhoni shares insights about his bond with Virat Kohli

Former India captain and legendary wicketkeeper batter MS Dhoni opened up on his relationship with Virat Kohli, fondly remembering his running between the wickets with the star batter.

Dhoni established himself as one of the greatest captains in the history of cricket, mainly due to his leadership that powered India to the T20 World Cup in 2007, Cricket World Cup in 2011 and ICC Champions Trophy in 2013.

Meanwhile, Kohli made his international debut under Dhoni’s captaincy in 2008 and went on to become one of the best batters in the world.

Despite not getting to meet frequently, MS Dhoni emphasized the mutual respect he shared with Virat Kohli.

“We have been colleagues who played for India for a very long time. He (Kohli) has been amongst the best when it comes to world cricket. It is not like we meet very often, but whenever we get a chance, we make sure that we go on the side and chat for some time. We will talk about what is going on, so that is our relationship,” Dhoni said.

“And the fact that I could bat a lot with him during the middle overs was a lot of fun because we used to take a lot of twos and threes in the game, so it has always been fun,” he further added.

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Remember, Virat Kohli made a major revelation during the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2022 that MS Dhoni was the only one to contact him when he left India’s Test captaincy earlier that year.

“When I left Test captaincy, I only received a message from one person and I have played with that person in the past. That person is MS Dhoni, anyone else did not message me. Many people have my number, and there are many people who give me suggestions on the TV,” Kohli stated.

“When you have genuine respect and connection with someone, you are able to see that because there is security from both sides,” he maintained.

The star batter also denied any insecurities with Dhoni before shedding light on how one-on-one suggestions are better than those given in front of the entire world.

“I don’t want anything from him and he does not want anything from me. I was never insecure from him and he was never of me. I can just say that if I want to say something to someone, I will reach out individually,” Kohli said.

“Even if you want to help. If you want to give a suggestion to me in front of the TV or the whole world, it does not hold any value to me. You can talk 1-1, I see things with utmost honesty. It is not like I do not care, but you see the things how they are,” he added.

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MS Dhoni breaks silence on his IPL future

Former India captain MS Dhoni opened up on his Indian Premier League (IPL) future with Chennai Super Kings, asserting that the decision would be in the best interest of the franchise.

As the cash-rich league nears the auction for its 2025 edition, Dhoni put things on hold to judge the change in rules specifically regarding the players’ retention. Thus, the veteran wicketkeeper batter boasts a wait-and-watch approach.

“There is a lot of time for it,” Dhoni said at an event in Hyderabad. “We have to see what decision they take on player retention etc. Right now, the ball is not in our court.

“So, once the rules and regulations get formalized, I will take a call, but it needs to be in the best interest of the team.”

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For the unversed, MS Dhoni, who turned 43 in July, played the 2023 edition of the IPL with his left knee heavily strapped.

“The surgery has been done in Mumbai and he is well,” Kasi Viswanathan, the Chennai Super Kings chief executive, told AFP. “The recovery process will take its time.”

Chennai edged out 2022 IPL champions Gujarat Titans by five wickets in a last-ball thriller in Ahmedabad that started on Monday and ended past 1:30 am Tuesday.

Dhoni had played the entire IPL season with a heavily strapped left knee and although he seemed perfectly fine while keeping, he sometimes batted as late as No. 8 and didn’t appear quick when running between the wickets.

After fevered speculation that MS Dhoni might call it quits, he hinted he could do “one more season” as “a gift” to fans.

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Harbhajan Singh fumes over Rizwan-Dhoni comparison

Former cricketer Harbhajan Singh slammed a Pakistani sports commentator for drawing a comparison between Mohammad Rizwan with former India captain MS Dhoni.

In a post on X, Farid Khan, asked his followers to draw a comparison of Rizwan with Dhoni to decide who is better.

Sharing a collage of the two cricketers, he wrote, “MS Dhoni or Mohammad Rizwan” Who is better? Tell me honestly.”

However, Harbhajan Singh who played under the captaincy of Dhoni, was irked by the post and blasted Farid Khan for attempting to compare the two cricketers.

“What r u smoking nowadays ???? What a silly question to ask . Bhaiyo isko batao . DHONI bhut aage hai RIZWAN se (Tell him that Dhoni is far ahead of Rizwan) Even if u will ask Rizwan he will give u an honest answer for this,” Singh wrote in a reply to the X post.

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While the former Indian spin bowler appreciated the talent of Mohammad Rizwan, saying that the Pakistani wicketkeeping batter always plays with intent, Singh was against a comparison between the two players.

“DHONI no 1 even today in world cricket. None better thn him behind stumps,” wrote Harbhajan Sing in reply.

It is pertinent to mention that Dhoni led India to victory in the inaugural edition of the T20 World Cup 2007 in South Africa. He also led the team that won the ODI World Cup trophy in 2011 in India.

In 2013, he became the first-ever captain to have won all ICC trophies after guiding India to a Champions Trophy 2013 victory in England.

Pakistan’s wicketkeeping batter Mohammad Rizwan has over 5,000 runs in international cricket, averaging above 40 across all formats.

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