A captain, wicketkeeper and batter beyond numbers

A year later, he proved he could thrive in testing conditions too. At Lord’s, Dhoni walked out early on the final day with India reeling at 145/5. In challenging conditions, he scored a gritty 76* and stitched together a crucial 86-run partnership with VVS Laxman. Even after Laxman’s dismissal, Dhoni stood firm with the tail to secure a hard-fought draw, which helped India seal a rare series win in England, their first in the country since 1986.

Among Dhoni’s many memorable batting contributions in whites, none stood taller than his lone double-century, which came in 2013 at his adopted home ground in Chennai.

Australia had posted a formidable 380 in the first innings and India found themselves under pressure at 196/4 when Dhoni walked out to bat. But what followed was one of the most iconic innings by an Indian wicketkeeper-batter where Dhoni unleashed a brutal 224, his highest Test score.

Built on vital century partnerships with Virat Kohli and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Dhoni took India to a decisive 192-run lead, and his innings proved to be the turning point of the match.

Throughout his Test career, Dhoni faced numerous trials and tribulations both as a batter and captain until he called it quits in 2014. Yet, time and again, by fight or flight, he always found a way.