MS Dhoni Retires: Gautam Gambhir Believes Former India Captain’s Record of Winning 3 ICC Trophies Will ‘Stay Forever’

Dhoni is the only captain in the world to win all three ICC trophies - the 50-over World Cup, the T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy.

Former India opener Gautam Gambhir feels MS Dhoni’s record of winning all three ICC trophies as captain will never be matched. From taking over India captaincy as a rookie in 2007, Dhoni went on to become India’s most successful captain, particularly in the limited-overs format, leading the country to World Cup triumphs in 2007 (T20), 2011 (ODI) and 2013 Champions Trophy. Under Dhoni’s leadership, India also became the top-ranked Test team in 2009.

Dhoni announced his retirement from international cricket on Saturday evening, thus bringing an end to the top-flight career of one of India’s greatest limited-overs cricketers and its most successful captain.

The 39-year old is the only captain to win all three ICC trophies – the 50-over World Cup, the T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy.

Speaking on Star Sports show Cricket Connected, Gambhir spoke about Dhoni’s achievement of lifting all the three ICC trophies, a feat which according to him no other Indian captain would ever achieve.

“One record if you talk about, which is going to stay forever is MS Dhoni’s three ICC trophies,” said Gambhir who shared a memorable 109-run stand with Dhoni during the 2011 World Cup final against Sri Lanka to help the team clinch the title.

“I don’t think so any other captain would ever be able to achieve that. I think, whether it is the T20 World Cup, whether it is ICC Champions Trophy or 2011 World Cup. I think that is something which is going to stay forever, and I can bet, that’s going to stay forever.

“I think 100s will eventually get broken, someone will come and probably score more double 100s than Rohit Sharma, but I don’t think so any Indian captain would be able to achieve three ICC trophies, so MS Dhoni’s going to be there to stay forever,” he added.

Dhoni, who made his ODI debut in 2004, changed the face of Indian cricket with his calm demeanour, sharp understanding of the game and astute leadership qualities. He represented the country in 350 ODIs, 90 Tests and 98 T20Is.

Watch Cricket Connected every Saturday & Sunday on the Star Sports network at 7 PM & 9 PM IST.