The legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni of Indian cricket was known for his cool temperament, astute leadership, and explosive batting. Even though Dhoni is more popularly known for finishing and tactics, he had centuries galore throughout his formats. Let’s get into the detailed list of centuries MS Dhoni scored in international cricket.
MS Dhoni’s Centuries in Test Cricket:
Dhoni played 90 Test matches for India between 2005 and 2014, scoring 4,876 runs at an average of 38.09. Although he was not a prolific century-maker in Test cricket, his six centuries were crucial in building India’s success in the longer format.
- 148 vs Pakistan (Faisalabad, 2006):
Dhoni announced himself with a swashbuckling 148 off 153 balls in just his fifth Test against Pakistan, showing his fearless approach to batting.
2. 100 vs Sri Lanka (Mumbai, 2009):
A crucial century where he remained unbeaten, guiding India to a strong position against Sri Lanka.
3. 132 vs South Africa (Kolkata, 2010):
Dhoni’s unbeaten 132 came in a Test where India dominated the Proteas, showcasing his ability to build innings in the longest format.
4. 144 vs West Indies (Kolkata, 2011)
A vital knock in a home series against the Windies, proving his capability to steer the Indian innings.
5. 206 vs Australia (Chennai, 2013)
His highest Test score and one of the finest innings played by an Indian wicketkeeper, Dhoni’s double century helped India crush Australia.
6. 100 vs Australia (Mohali, 2013)
Another crucial century against Australia, demonstrating his dominance over their bowling attack.
MS Dhoni’s Centuries in One-Day Internationals (ODIs):
Dhoni scored 10 centuries in ODI cricket while amassing 10,773 runs at an impressive average of 50.57. His centuries often came under pressure and played a pivotal role in India’s victories.
- 148 vs Pakistan (Visakhapatnam, 2005)
Dhoni’s first international century came in just his fifth ODI, a blistering 148 off 123 balls that introduced him as a power-hitter.
2. 183 vs Sri Lanka (Jaipur, 2005)*
His highest ODI score, Dhoni’s unbeaten 183 remains one of the best innings in a run chase, leading India to victory.
3. 139 vs Africa XI (Chennai, 2007)*
A commanding innings in the Afro-Asia Cup further cemented his reputation as a finisher.
4. 109 vs Hong Kong (Karachi, 2008)
A less remembered yet dominant century in the Asia Cup.
5. 124 vs Australia (Nagpur, 2009)
Brilliant innings against the mighty Aussies, in which he showed his class to take down any giant of the world.
6. 107 vs Sri Lanka (Nagpur, 2009)
Another 2009 century when Dhoni was at his sublime best. It was their year.
7. 101 vs Bangladesh (Dhaka, 2010)*
A timely unbeaten ton in the Asia Cup that spoke about his finishing ability.
8. 113 vs Pakistan (Chennai, 2012)*
A lone warrior effort, rescuing India from a very difficult position with a really heroic knock.
9. 139 against Australia (Mohali, 2013)*
A match-winning century, this being one of his several hundred against Australia.
10. 134 against England (Cuttack, 2017)
The last centurion in the ODI he was, displaying great class even at an advanced age.
Centuries in T20 Internationals: MS Dhoni:
Although a dominant white-ball cricketer, Dhoni never scored a century in T20 Internationals. His highest T20I score remains 56, but his finishing skills and strike rate made him one of the best T20 batsmen.
Conclusion:
MS Dhoni may not have been the most prolific century-maker but surely was in those instances when his centuries were match-defining. His Test double century against Australia, ODI masterclass 183* against Sri Lanka, and numerous match-winning knocks will be etched in Indian cricketing history. He didn’t score a T20I century yet his contributions in the shortest format of the game were invaluable. Dhoni remains the finest finisher and the leader in world cricket.
