Mahendra Singh Dhoni turns 31: A celebration of his career

July 7, 2012

doni_turns31New Delhi, July 7: From humble beginnings to becoming an icon, Mahendra Singh Dhoni in his now 31 years, has achieved the pinnacle of sporting success with charisma as well as dedication. While some have questioned his on-field methods, there is no iota of doubt in what he has achieved for himself, his team and for his country. For this boy from Ranchi, the journey has been nothing short of magic.

Born to parents hailing from Almora district of Uttarakhand, Dhoni has not only managed to touch great heights but has managed to establish himself there with a calming authority that has even impressed staunch critics.

Making his debut for the national team in 2004/05 against Bangladesh, he was run-out on a duck. The resilience of this fighter though was yet to come. Having proven his mettle for Bihar and in the India A team, he was included in the side picked against Pakistan. He rose to the occasion and blasted 148 off 123 deliveries in an innings that is still fondly remembered in cricketing circuits. They may say that the rest is history but for Mahi, it was a start of far greater things to come.

A wicket-keeper who could bat was the need of the hour for the Indian cricket team and Dhoni answered it with bludgeoning power with the bat and crafty ease behind the stumps. Laurels and records kept falling in his kit-bag till he was seen as the best candidate to lead India in all three format of the game. MSD became captain MSD.

While recent years have seen him gain stupendous success as well as face appalling defeats, Dhoni has managed both with ease that has defined him on the field as 'captain-cool.'

Of course, there has been a certain lady by his side providing him with the extremely important support. Sakshi became Mrs Sakshi Dhoni on July 4, 2010 and has been right beside MSD through the different turns of cricketing life. And as the Indian skipper turns a year older, here is wishing both him and his 'support-base', all the very best for the future.



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News Network
June 27,2020

Jun 27: India's Test batting mainstay Cheteshwar Pujara cannot describe in words the influence that Rahul Dravid has had on his life but says he will always remain grateful to him for teaching the importance of switching off from cricket.

Often compared to Dravid, who was considered the 'wall' of Indian cricket, Pujara said he is thankful to Dravid for teaching him how to keep personal and professional lives separate.

"He helped me understand the importance of switching off from cricket. I had the same thought, more or less, but when I spoke to him, it gave me a lot of clarity about it and I was sure of what I needed to do," he told ESPNcricinfo.

"I also saw in county cricket how they keep personal and professional lives separate. I value that advice a lot. Many people consider me to be focused. Yes, I am focused, But I also know when to switch off. There is life beyond cricket."

In his illustrious international career, Dravid amassed 13288 runs in 164 Tests and 10889 runs in 344 ODIs. He also captained India in 79 ODIs, winning 42 of them, which includes the world record of 14 successive wins while chasing.

"I cannot say in one line what Rahul bhai means to me. He has always been an inspiration, and will remain one," Pujara said.

His mental fortitude and batting technique is often compared to Dravid but Pujara said "despite my enchantment with him" he never tried to "copy him."

"There is a similarity in our games, but that's not because of my fascination with him. That came mainly through my experiences with Saurashtra, where I learned that scoring a hundred alone isn't enough, you have to carry your team," he said.

"That is how I learned responsibility - it is about helping my team to raise a big total, and for that I ought to attach importance to my wicket. I learned that from my junior cricket days with Saurashtra, which was a weaker team in domestic cricket."

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News Network
January 28,2020

Columbo, Jan 28: The Sri Lanka Cricket Board on Monday announced the 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Women`s T20 World Cup, slated to commence from February 21. The board also announced five standby players for the ensuing tournament.

The squad members are -- Chamari Atapattu (captain), Harshitha Madavi (vice captain), Anushka Sanjeewani, Hansima Karunaratne, Shashikala Siriwardene, Nilakshi De Silva, Ama Kanchana, Kavisha Dilhari, Udeshika Probodhani, Achini Kulasuriya, Hasini Perera, Sathya Sandeepani, Umesha Thimashini, Sugandika Kumari, Dilani Manodara.

The standby players are -- Sachini Nisansala, Prasadani Weerakkody, Oshadi Ranasinghe, Tharika Sewwandi, Inoka Ranaweera.

Sri Lanka will take on New Zealand in their opening encounter on February 22.

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January 8,2020

Indore, Jan 8: Skipper Virat Kohli struck an unbeaten 30 as India beat Sri Lanka by seven wickets in the second Twenty20 international in Indore on Tuesday.

The hosts rode a 71-run opening stand between KL Rahul, who hit 45, and Shikhar Dhawan, who made 32, to chase down their target of 143 in 17.3 overs and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series after the first match was rained off.

Leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga took the wickets of the Indian openers but Shreyas Iyer, who scored 34 before falling to paceman Lahiru Kumara, and Kohli, who hit the winning six, got the team home.

The third match is on Friday in Pune.

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