• The cricketing world stands still as MS Dhoni, the 'Captain Cool', celebrates his 44th birthday on July 7, 2025.

  • Some of India’s most prominent cricketers have shared emotional tributes and warm wishes for their icon, Dhoni.

Captain Cool turns 44: Birthday wishes for MS Dhoni pour in from the cricketing fraternity
MS Dhoni (Image Source: X)

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As MS Dhoni turned 44 on July 7, 2025, fans across the globe flooded social media with tributes to one of India’s most iconic cricketers. Known for his unshakeable calm in pressure situations and unparalleled tactical brilliance, Dhoni began his international journey in 2004 and quickly transformed into a revered figure.

Former Indian champion captain MS Dhoni turns 44

From electrifying stumpings to match-winning knocks, Dhoni’s career has been defined by moments that rewrote India’s cricketing narrative. He tallied 17,266 international runs and effected 829 dismissals over 538 matches, leaving behind a legacy not just of numbers, but of inspiration. While his finishing ability in ODIs made him a household name, it was his consistent leadership and match awareness that elevated him beyond just stats.

Dhoni’s love for his hometown Ranchi and his unassuming nature have added to his charm. Even in his final years with Chennai Super Kings, he continued to lead by example, becoming an emblem of resilience and humility. The admiration he enjoys today stems as much from his achievements as from the grace with which he carried his responsibilities. His cricketing brain has influenced a generation, and his legacy continues to shape Indian cricket, even after his international retirement.

Dhoni’s impact from ODIs to IPL glory

Dhoni’s strongest format was undoubtedly One Day Internationals, where he played 350 matches, scoring 10,773 runs at a phenomenal average of 50.57. With 10 centuries, 73 fifties, and a best of 183 not out- still regarded as one of the finest innings by a finisher, Dhoni proved why he’s a legend. Notably, he achieved these numbers while predominantly batting in the middle and lower order, a feat unmatched by most. He is currently India’s sixth-highest run-getter in ODIs.

In Test cricket, he contributed 4,876 runs from 90 matches with six centuries, including a memorable 224, while also leading India in 60 Tests, securing 27 wins and guiding the team to No.1 in the ICC rankings. His captaincy was pivotal in India’s dominance across formats. As CSK’s talisman, Dhoni lifted five Indian Premier League (IPL) trophies, in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023, reinforcing his stature as a tactical genius in franchise cricket. Across 226 IPL games as captain, he led his side to 133 wins, making him the most successful leader in IPL history. Whether in whites, blues, or yellow, Dhoni’s contribution to the game remains unparalleled, his name forever synonymous with Indian cricket’s golden age.

Also READ: MS Dhoni’s wife Sakshi shares a lovely post on their 16th marriage anniversary

Here’s how cricketers reacted:

Ashutosh Sharma
Ashutosh Sharma (Image Source: Instagram)
Ishant Sharma
Ishant Sharma (Image Source: Instagram)
Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad (Image Source: Instagram)
Urvil Patel
Urvil Patel (Image Source: Instagram)

Also READ: Big loss to MS Dhoni in Stock Market as Gensol Engineering gets entangled in financial scandal

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About the Author:
AMAR PAL SINGH BHALLA
Amar is a sports enthusiast and a talented writer who has found the perfect career that combines his two passions. As a valuable member of Cricket Times, Amar brings his passion for cricket and his talent for writing to the fore, providing readers with insightful and engaging content. Cricket lives rent-free in his mind. A person who views cricket as a metaphor for life. You can connect with Amar at amar.bhalla@crickettimes.com and also follow him on LinkedIn.