Mahendra Singh Dhoni Inducted into ICC Hall of Fame 2025

Mahendra Singh Dhoni Inducted into ICC Hall of Fame 2025

Why in News? 

Recently, former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame 2025. This prestigious honour has been conferred upon him in recognition of his exceptional contributions to international cricket on the global stage.

• Mahendra Singh Dhoni has now joined an elite group, becoming the eleventh Indian cricketer enshrined in the ICC Hall of Fame.

What is ICC Hall of Fame?

• •  Introduction:
    • The ICC Hall of Fame is a globally prestigious platform that honors legendary players who have made incomparable contributions to cricket history. 
    • This initiative works to preserve the glorious past of cricket and the achievements of its heroes for generations.
    • It includes players who have not only excelled in performance but also reshaped the image and direction of the game.
    • Both male and female players are included in this list with equal recognition.
  • Establishment:
    • This honor was established on 2 January 2009 by the ICC (International Cricket Council) in collaboration with FICA (Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations).
    • Initially, it included 55 legendary players who had been inducted into the FICA Hall of Fame (1999–2003).
    • Additionally, five new players were added in 2009.
    • Since then, new members are inducted every year during the ICC Awards ceremony.
  • Objective:
    • The primary goal of this initiative is to recognize players globally who have made lasting contributions to the sport.
  • Eligibility:
    • To be inducted into the Hall of Fame, a player must be retired from international cricket for at least five years.

• Selection Process:

• Consistency of performance at the international level
• Records and achievements
• Impact on the game and leadership ability
• Long-term contribution to cricket

• Key Features:
  • So far, 122 players have been honored on this prestigious platform, of which 85 players belong to England, Australia, and the West Indies.
  • The remaining 37 players are from countries like India, Pakistan, South Africa, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe.
  • By 2025, 15 women cricketers have been included in the list, reflecting the growing respect and recognition of women’s cricket. 
  • In 2010, Rachael Heyhoe Flint became the first woman to be inducted into this platform; she had led England to victory in the first Women’s World Cup in 1973.
  • Players are awarded a special Hall of Fame cap, which serves as a physical symbol of their achievements.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s Cricket Career

• Beginning:
  • From his 2004 international debut, Mahendra Singh Dhoni rapidly cemented his status as a cornerstone of Indian cricket.
  • His composed presence and unwavering self-belief were evident traits throughout his early career.
• Captaincy:
  • With Dhoni taking over the captaincy of the Indian team in 2007, he brought new thinking and strategy to lead the team forward.
  • He first led India to win the ICC T20 World Cup 2007, making India world champion in this format for the first time.
  • Then came the 2011 ODI World Cup, which India won after a long gap of 28 years on home soil, a testament to his exceptional leadership.
  • In 2013, Dhoni achieved a unique distinction, becoming the sole captain globally to secure all three major ICC trophies with the Champions Trophy victory.
• Statistics:
  • Dhoni’s 16-year international career is also extremely impressive statistically.
  • In 350 ODI matches, he scored 10,773 runs, averaging 50.57, including 10 centuries and 73 half-centuries. He is considered one of the most successful finishers in ODI cricket.
  • In 90 Test matches, Dhoni scored 4,876 runs at an average of over 38, including 6 centuries.
  • As a wicketkeeper, he effected over 294 dismissals in Tests and more than 450 in ODIs, making him one of the most reliable and agile wicket keepers in cricket.
• Retirement:
  • He retired from international cricket in August 2020, but his love for the game never waned.
  • He played his last match in the 2019 World Cup semi-final, where India lost to New Zealand.
  • After that, Dhoni continued to play an active role in the IPL with Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

Legendary Indian Cricketers Inducted into ICC Hall of Fame

• • Bishan Singh Bedi (2009): Bishan Singh Bedi, a master of left-arm spin, was celebrated for his impeccable precision and classical bowling artistry, securing 266 Test wickets while captaining India 22 times.

• Kapil Dev (2009): He is India’s 1983 World Cup winning captain. He is seen as one of their best all-rounders. He was the first in Test cricket to get over 5000 runs and 400 wickets. 

• • Sunil Gavaskar (2009): Sunil Gavaskar, a bedrock of Test cricket, amassed over 10,000 runs and 34 centuries, his unwavering technique and mental fortitude making him the era’s most dependable batsman.
  • Anil Kumble (2015): Anil Kumble, the leg-spin maestro, became India’s most prolific bowler with 619 Test wickets, notably achieving the rare feat of taking all ten wickets in a single Test innings.

• Rahul Dravid (2018): Rahul Dravid, known as “The Wall,” showed calm, focus, and steady play, making India’s batting stronger. He made 13,288 Test runs and 36 Test hundreds.

• • Sachin Tendulkar (2019): Revered as the “God of Cricket,” Sachin Tendulkar holds the unparalleled record of 100 international centuries across 200 Tests and 463 ODIs, his monumental achievements intrinsically linked to the emotions of Indian fans.
  • Vinoo Mankad (2021): Vinoo Mankad, a multifaceted all-rounder, swiftly reached the Test double of 1000 runs and 100 wickets in just 23 matches, and famously shared a then-record 413-run opening stand with Pankaj Roy.

• Virender Sehwag (2023): Virender Sehwag brought a bold, attacking style to batting. He was the first Indian batsman to hit two triple hundreds in Test matches. He won many important games for India in both one-day and Test cricket.
• Diana Edulji (2023): A pioneer of Indian women’s cricket, Diana Edulji created history with 120 international wickets. She captained the Indian women’s team and played a vital role in developing women’s cricket in the country.
• Neetu David (2024): The left-arm spinner, Neetu David, claimed 182 international wickets for India. Playing 97 ODIs and 10 Tests, she gave new identity and stature to women’s cricket in India.
• Mahendra Singh Dhoni (2025): Dhoni is celebrated for his extraordinary captaincy, calm temperament, and finishing ability. He is the only captain to win all three ICC trophies – T20 (2007), ODI World Cup (2011), and Champions Trophy (2013).