In a surprise move on Wednesday, Dhoni decided to step aside from India’s limited over captaincy. His decision gives Kohli exactly 30 months time to get his team ready for the next World Cup, but more so it shows that Dhoni always had the best interest of Indian cricket in mind.
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The first was giving Joginder Sharma the final over during inaugural T20 World Cup summit clash against Pakistan. Dhoni was leading the Indian team for the first time and his decision to hand over the ball to a youngster raised doubts but Joginder proved Dhoni right and India won the first edition of T20 World Cup in 2007. (Source: AFP PHOTO)
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India lost its openers in quick succession during the World cup finals in 2011 in Mumbai which forced Dhoni to promote himself up the order in the batting line-up. Dhoni replaced Yuvraj Singh in the fourth position who was in tremendous form. (Source: AFP PHOTO)
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During the Champions Trophy finals in 2013, India coped with a moderate total with Virat Kohli and Jadeja guiding India to 129-mark. Eoin Morgan and Ravi Bopara took England on the verge of victory but Dhoni had different plans. ‘Captain Cool’ handed the ball to Ishant Sharma and he dismissed both set batsman in consecutive deliveries. India went on to win the Champions Trophy.(Source: AFP PHOTO)
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The 35-year-old took a bold decision to call it a day from Test cricket during India’s tour of Australia in 2014 just before the World Cup. His decision to retire from the longer format had mixed reaction but felt Virat Kohli was ready to over the job. (Source: AFP PHOTO)
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The most cliched statement that we hear from sportspersons is that we don't play for records but then hardly a few believe in what they say. (Source: AFP PHOTO)
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But in Dhoni’s case, the first ODI against England on January 15 in Pune would have been his 200th match as captain but he would not bother. 90 and 199 are two telling numbers that tell the story. So, Dhoni did not care for records.
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We bring you his 5 bold decisions which took everyone by surprise.