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Mahendra Singh Dhoni became a sensation in the early stages of his cricketing career. He initially grabbed attention with his long hair, RBK bat, and the fearless attitude that saw him hitting sixes with his attacking stroke-play. As time passed, Dhoni evolved into a mature and composed figure, both on and off the field.
Recently, he was honoured with the prestigious International Cricket Council (ICC) Hall of Fame recognition, a testament to his leadership and immense contribution to Indian cricket. While the Hall of Fame award will always be a testament to his antics on the cricket field, fans have a much wider and deep love for the Ranchi-born, who led India to three ICC trophies and seven titles (5 in IPL; 2 in CLT20) for Chennai Super Kings.
So, in this article, CricTracker lists three such things that instantly strike fans’ minds when they hear Dhoni’s name.
3 things that come to our mind when we hear MS Dhoni’s name
3. Captain Cool
In the early days of his cricketing career, Dhoni was known for his aggressive and fierce style of play. But, after taking over as captain of the Indian team during the 2007 T20 World Cup, and continuing as the skipper of the Men in Blue, Dhoni transformed into a calm and composed leader. On the field, he carried himself with quiet confidence, never displaying arrogance toward teammates or opponents.
Even in high-pressure situations, Dhoni remains calm, making smart decisions and guiding the team to victory with ease. This composure earned him the nickname ‘Captain Cool’, a title that immediately comes to mind whenever his name is mentioned.
2. Helicopter Shot
Every cricketer has a signature shot, one they play with confidence, which often becomes their trademark. But, for the wicketkeeper-batter, that iconic shot is the Helicopter Shot. When facing a fuller or yorker-length delivery, Dhoni brings his bat down with his power and whips it in a circular motion, like the blades of a helicopter, sending the ball flying over the boundary.
This unconventional shot gained worldwide recognition and has since become a symbol. Many aspiring cricketers now look up to him and attempt to replicate the hit, but Dhoni will always remain the OG inventor of the powerful hit.
1. Thala
The other word that immediately comes to mind when we think of MS Dhoni is ‘Thala’. This Tamil word, meaning ‘leader’, became synonymous with Dhoni after he took charge of the CSK in the Indian Premier League (IPL), and has been in association with the franchise since 2008.
Under his captaincy, CSK reached the finals 10 times and clinched the prestigious title five times, in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023. They won a couple of Champions League T20 titles as well. His leadership and consistent success on the field endeared him to fans, who affectionately called him Thala. The term became a part of his identity over time and is now engraved in the hearts of millions of cricket lovers.