Five reasons why MS Dhoni is the greatest cricketer India has ever seen

MS Dhoni, without a doubt, is one of the best players and captains to have ever represented India. The veteran cricketer has many achievements under his belt and has been an inspiration for many to take up the sport. He is currently celebrating his 41st birthday in England. On this occasion, let's have a look at why MS Dhoni might be the greatest cricketer India has ever seen.

Major ICC Trophies as Captain

MS Dhoni (Image source- Twitter)

MS Dhoni is the only captain to have guided his team to win all three major ICC trophies. He led the team to victory in the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007. After a 28-year wait, the wicketkeeper-batter led the side to victory in the World Cup in 2011. In 2013, he also added the  Champions Trophy to his ICC trophy collection.

During the 2011 World Cup, the skipper promoted himself ahead of all-rounder Yuvraj Singh in the batting order. This strategy paid off well for India, as he hit a half-century to lead the side to victory. He finished the game with a brilliant six.

Great Finisher

MS Dhoni (Image source- Twitter)

There aren't many players in the game's history who could finish games as well as MS Dhoni. He is regarded as one of the best finishers to have represented the game. When things get tense, he is the coolest person on the field. His sound batting in difficult conditions and tremendous hitting skills make him the top in this category.

One of MS Dhoni's most extraordinary finishes came against Pakistan in 2006. India stormed across the finishing line while chasing 292 runs, he set up a 102-run stand with Yuvraj Singh, of which Dhoni contributed more than two-thirds with 52 runs in boundaries.

Quickest behind the stumps

MS Dhoni (Image source- Twitter)

Adam Gilchrist and Mark Boucher were widely perceived as the most technically sound wicketkeepers. However, MS Dhoni, with his lightning-quick hands, was also among the top wicketkeepers that played the game. The Indian team relied on his awareness behind the wickets all the time.

He also holds the record for the quickest stumping ever. MS Dhoni took 0.08 seconds to stump West Indies batter Keemo Paul during the Series' fourth ODI in 2018. He also held the previous world record of 0.9 seconds.

Fittest Cricketer

MS Dhoni (Image source- Twitter)

MS Dhoni can run between the wickets faster than any other player. When he played for the Indian team, he was always in peak physical condition. Apart from some minor injuries, which are very common for any sportsperson, Dhoni never faced any issues with his health.

Despite having retired from international cricket a few years ago, the former Indian captain continues to play in the Indian T20 League. MS Dhoni, at the age of 41, continues to provide excellent performances for the Chennai team.

On-point decision making

MS Dhoni (Image source- Twitter)

A captain is always responsible for making sound judgments, especially when it comes to the Decision Review System (DRS). MS Dhoni was always at the top when he made the call to refer on-field umpire's call. He also had the advantage of being a wicketkeeper as he was always close to the batter.

Many referred to the DRS as the Dhoni Review System at times. His calls from behind the stumps were almost never wrong. The bowlers admired him for that and always trusted his judgement.