PlayinExch is proud to share one of the most prestigious cricketing updates of the year — MS Dhoni’s induction into the ICC Hall of Fame 2025. Announced ahead of the World Test Championship final at Lord’s, this recognition is a salute to Dhoni’s exceptional 14-year career and iconic legacy in global cricket.
The Man Behind the Milestones
Mahendra Singh Dhoni stands alone in cricket history as the only captain to win all three major ICC white-ball tournaments, the T20 World Cup (2007), the ODI World Cup (2011), and the Champions Trophy (2013). Under his calm leadership, India also reached the No. 1 spot in the ICC Test rankings during the late 2000s.
Pan-adjusted, Dhoni turned out for 538 international games. His ODI career is his best, with 10,773 runs in 350 matches. He also appeared in 90 Test and 98 T20I games. With 829 catches as a keeper and more than 15,000 runs abroad, his two-pronged excellence behind the stumps and at the bat put new benchmarks.
The 2025 Hall of Fame Class: Legends Across Borders
Dhoni isn’t the only stalwart to be honoured this year. The 2025 ICC Hall of Fame inductees feature a diverse group of cricketing legends, each with a unique impact on the game.
From South Africa, Graeme Smith and Hashim Amla were named to the list. Smith became the youngest ever Test captain for his country and led them in over 100 Tests, a record in itself. Amla, meanwhile, became a pillar of consistency, scoring over 17,000 runs across formats and crafting 56 international centuries.
Australia’s Matthew Hayden, who was famous for his hitting and aggressive strokeplay, also found a place in the list. Hayden’s Test record of 50.73 in 103 games, including a record-breaking 380-run innings, does justice to his supremacy. He also played a pivotal role in Australia’s 2007 World Cup victory.
Honouring All-Round Greatness
New Zealand’s Daniel Vettori, arguably the most successful left-arm spinner in history, was lauded for his all-round excellence. He took 667 wickets across all formats and chipped in with useful runs in the lower order. Vettori also led the team and later became a world coach.
The Hall of Fame also honours two women’s cricket pioneers, England’s Sarah Taylor and Pakistan’s Sana Mir. Taylor’s wicketkeeping excellence and elegant batting generated more than 6500 runs, while Mir’s all-around skills and captaincy redefined women’s cricket in Pakistan. Both players made enduring off-field contributions by bringing about change and inclusion in the game.
Conclusion
The induction of MS Dhoni into the ICC Hall of Fame is not just an individual honour but a celebration of a generation-defining career. His calm demeanour, match-winning instincts, and unparalleled record as captain have forever shaped Indian cricket.
With other deserving names like Smith, Amla, Hayden, Vettori, Taylor, and Mir joining him, the 2025 Hall of Fame batch reflects global excellence. As cricket continues to evolve, legends like these remind us of the game’s rich legacy. PlayinExch celebrates this historic moment and remains committed to bringing you insightful coverage on the sport’s most defining milestones.
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