MS Dhoni's glorious achievements in his career ahead of the 300th ODI game

One of the greatest stalwarts of Indian cricket, MS Dhoni, plays his 300th ODI game at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo today. The entire cricketing fraternity has lauded the efforts of the talismanic Indian already but now is the right time to look at some of the mind-boggling facts and figures he has managed to achieve in his splendid career for India.

Only captain to win all three events (WC, CT, WT20)

MS Dhoni would easily go down in the history books as the most successful captains ever produced by any country, looking at his vanquishments at major ICC events. The first assignment handed to MSD as a captain was the inaugural edition of the T20 World Cup in South Africa.

He managed to clinch the title against all odds to embark a legendary journey. This win also healed the wounds of the harrowing exit from the ODI World Cup of 2007 in West Indies. Dhoni, then, led the side in the ODI World Cup of 2011 held in India amidst incredible pressure on his shoulders, with the entire nation expecting them to win the World Cup.

The Ranchi born cricketer took it upon himself to take India home in the finals and sealed it for his side as India were crowned world champions. In 2013, Dhoni added another feather to his cap as India also won the Champions Trophy held in England. MSD then became the only captain to have completed the triple of capturing the World Cups of ODI and T20s along with the Champions Trophy. One has to believe that this feat of his will remain unparalleled in the years to come.

Captained India in 331 games across all formats, most by any player in history

MS Dhoni has captained India in as many 331 games, which is the most by any player in the history of Cricket. Overall in his career, he has led India in 199 ODIs, 60 Tests and 72 T20Is. The next in the list is the greatest captain ever produced by Australia, Ricky Ponting who led the Kangaroos in as many as 324 international games.

Averages 101.84 in successful run chases

The numerous images of Dhoni carrying India home with his pivotal knock lower down the order will forever be etched in the minds of the masses. This holds significance in even in his figure when India manages to win in a run chase. MS Dhoni averages a mind boggling 101.84 in successful run chases for India. Needless to say, these numbers remain unprecedented worldwide and signifies the importance of the man when he takes a guard in the middle during successful run chances.

Finished games in chase with a six a record 9 times

The phrase from Ravi Shastri during the WC finals at Mumbai orating “Dhoni, finishes off in style” still reverberates along the ear drums of ardent cricket fans in the country. The shot over long on off the bowling of Kulasekara to guide India towards a WC win is just one of the nine instances where he finished off a game with a maximum. This data suggests the style and panache the man carries while acing at his job for the country.

Only Indian to hit 200 sixes in ODIs

When BCCI introduced MS Dhoni on the international stage, he had a reputation of being a batsman who deals in boundaries. Over the period of 13 years in ODI cricket, MSD has smashed over 200 sixes in his career and still going strong. He is the only Indian to reach the 200 mark. Only Shahid Afridi, Chris Gayle and Sanath Jayasuriya are above MS Dhoni’s tally of sixes in ODIs.

Most runs in ODIs by a batsman batting at 6 and below (4601)

MS Dhoni recently surpassed Mohammad Azharuddin’s tally with over 9600 ODI runs. To score that amount of runs, coming in to bat lower down the order was something unheard of before MSD started his career. From being tagged as a six hitter and stroke maker, he changed his game to accumulate runs in the middle and taking the game deep before the final assault at the death. As a result, he holds the record for most number of runs while batting at six or below with 4601 runs.

183* vs SL, highest score by wicket keeper in ODIs

If MSD announced himself on the international stage with his 148 against Pakistan at Vizag, he cemented his name as one of the modern greats of the game with his innings of 183* against Sri Lanka at Jaipur. His score is still the highest score by a wicket keeper in ODIs. Only Quinton de Kock managed to inch closer to his score with his 178 against Australia last year.

Most unbeaten innings in ODIs-73

Cumulatively, irrespective of India batting first or second, MS Dhoni succeeded to remain unbeaten in as many as 73 innings in ODIs which signifies the volume of finishing work done by him. He has remained unbeaten in 40 innings during chases.

Most dismissals by an Indian wicket keeper across all format -737

India is blessed to have a three dimensional player like MS Dhoni who contributes with his captaincy, batting and wicketkeeping. As his captaincy and batting have set new benchmarks in cricket, his wicketkeeping has largely been overshadowed.

MSD holds the record for most number of dismissals by an Indian wicket keeper across all formats with as many as 737 dismissals. He is only one stumping away to bring up 100 stumpings in ODI cricket to become the wicket keeper with most number of stumpings.