ON THIS DAY- MS Dhoni's first game in Indian colours

A new star was on the rise 19 years ago, within the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium arena in Chattogram, heralding a golden age for Indian cricket. Today marks the 19th anniversary of Mahendra Singh Dhoni's international debut, an event etched not just in cricket history, but in the collective memory of an entire nation.

Dhoni, the unassuming wicket-keeper batsman from Ranchi, was thrust into the limelight at the tender age of 23. He walked out to bat at number seven, with expectations hovering like the Bangladeshi humidity. At 180-5, the team was not in a good position and thus, the pressure was even higher. the onus was on Dhoni to solidify the innings. However, fate had other plans. He was run-out after facing just one delivery. A ripple of disappointment ran through the Indian fans, but this dismissal was merely a prologue to a magnificent narrative.

Dhoni's journey after that was a masterclass in resilience and self-belief. He got a few more chances and he made them count, after which he was a constant in the Indian side for a long time. His unorthodox batting style, the unorthodox helicopter shot, and the ability to remain calm under pressure became as much a part of his game as his technical prowess. He became a leader, not just by words, but by his performance and resillience - the silent guardian behind the stumps, the ice-cool captain who made audacious decisions and pulled off the seemingly impossible.

Dhoni's impact transcended cricket. He became a national icon, a symbol of hope and aspiration for millions of young Indians. His journey from a small-town boy to a global superstar proved that dreams, with relentless hard work and unwavering belief, could indeed come true.

Today, as we revisit Dhoni's debut, it's not just the scorecard or the headlines we remember. It's the spark of a legend that ignited on that humid December evening in Chattogram. It's the promise of a champion who carved his name in cricketing history, rewriting the script and defining an era. It's the legacy of 'Captain Cool,' the man who taught us that greatness often arrives disguised as a golden duck, waiting for the right moment to take flight.

Dhoni's quest to become the most successful skipper in IPL

Dhoni will soon be seen in the yellow jersey of the Chennai Super Kings as he looks to defend the title that he won earlier this year. Dhoni has won the IPL 5 times as captain and will be desperate to win another and break the tie with Rohit Sharma, who also won 5. There is a huge possibility that the upcoming season will be his last and hence, Dhoni is surely going to receive a lot of love and support at all the venues, just like this season.