Mahendra Singh Dhoni – Inducted into ICC Hall of Fame
On Monday, June 9, 2025, at the prestigious ‘A Day with the Legends’ event hosted in London’s Abbey Road Studios, the International Cricket Council (ICC) officially announced the induction of former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni into its Hall of Fame. This makes Dhoni the 11th Indian cricketer to receive this honor .
The ICC highlighted Dhoni’s remarkable statistics—17,266 international runs, 829 dismissals, and 538 matches—as evidence not only of his talent but also of his consistency, fitness, and longevity in the game .
Career Highlights
- International Career Span: Dhoni represented India in all three formats—Test, ODI, and T20—from 2004 to 2019, playing a total of 538 international matches .
- ICC Trophies as Captain: He remains the only captain to have led India to victory in the 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup, and 2013 ICC Champions Trophy .
- Batting & Keeping Stats:
- Test: 90 matches, 4,876 runs, 294 dismissals
- ODI: 350 matches, 10,773 runs, 444 dismissals
- T20I: 98 matches, 1,617 runs, 91 dismissals
Dhoni’s Statement
Reflecting on the honor, Dhoni said:
“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. To have your name remembered alongside such all‑time greats is a wonderful feeling. It is something that I will cherish forever.”
He expressed that being among legendary names is a moment he will always treasure .
The ICC Hall of Fame Class of 2025
The 2025 class comprises seven cricketers (five men and two women) who were honored alongside Dhoni :
Men:
- Mahendra Singh Dhoni (India)
- Hashim Amla (South Africa)
- Matthew Hayden (Australia) – famed for a record 380 in Tests
- Graeme Smith (South Africa)
- Daniel Vettori (New Zealand)
Women:
- Sana Mir (Pakistan)
- Sarah Taylor (England)
The induction occurred two days before the World Test Championship Final .
Praise and Reactions
- The ICC praised Dhoni’s lightning-fast wicketkeeping, tactical brilliance, and calm demeanour under pressure .
- Former India coach Ravi Shastri humorously described him as “faster than a pickpocket” in reference to his lightning-quick stumpings .
- ICC Chairman Jay Shah congratulated the inductees, stating that the Hall of Fame celebrates players who “shaped cricket’s legacy and inspired generations” .
Dhoni’s Enduring Legacy
- Unparalleled Success: Only Indian captain to lift three major ICC trophies in white-ball cricket.
- Exceptional Durability: His stats (17,266 runs, 829 dismissals, 538 matches) reflect unparalleled consistency and fitness.
- Inspirational Leadership: Known for nurturing young talent and building resilient teams.
- Global Recognition: His Hall of Fame induction affirms his lasting impact on world cricket.
🇮🇳 National Pride
Dhoni’s induction isn’t just a personal milestone—it’s a proud moment for Indian cricket. He joins an exclusive list of Indian legends already in the Hall, including Sunil Gavaskar, Bishan Singh Bedi, Kapil Dev, Anil Kumble, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Vinoo Mankad, Diana Edulji, Virender Sehwag, and Neetu David .
Conclusion
After a remarkable 16-year international career, Dhoni’s ICC Hall of Fame induction formally cements his status among cricket’s elite. His blend of calm leadership, razor-sharp wicketkeeping, and finishing mastery has left an indelible mark on the game—one that will continue to inspire cricketing generations to come.
