Dhoni Best Innings List
1. 91 vs Sri Lanka — 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup Final (ODI)*
Why it’s legendary:
- Played under immense pressure in the World Cup final.
- Came in when India was struggling and led the chase.
- Finished the match with a six over long-on, sealing India’s World Cup win after 28 years.
- Widely considered his greatest knock ever due to context and impact.
2. 183 vs Sri Lanka — Jaipur, 2005 (ODI)*
Why it’s iconic:
- Dhoni’s highest ODI score — 183 not out.
- Dominant innings with 15 fours and 10 sixes while chasing a big target.
- Announced his arrival on the world stage as a match-winner early in his career.
3. 113 vs Pakistan — Chennai, 2012 (ODI)*
Why it’s memorable:
- Played with the team in trouble at 29/5, rescued the innings with an unbeaten century.
- Under pressure against a major rival, Dhoni paced his innings perfectly.
4. 70 vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) — IPL 2018 (T20)*
Why it’s legendary in IPL:
- One of Dhoni’s greatest T20 finishes.
- Came back when CSK was deep in trouble and sealed a dramatic chase with multiple sixes.
- Often ranked among his top IPL knocks.
5. 84 vs RCB — IPL 2019 (T20)*
Match significance:
- Dhoni almost carried a low total to victory with powerful hitting late in the innings.
- Famous for scoring rapidly in the final overs, even though the team narrowly lost.
6. 54 vs Kings XI Punjab — IPL 2010 (T20)*
Why it’s memorable:
- One of Dhoni’s most emphatic finishing knocks in IPL history.
- Took CSK to a crucial win with blistering late-innings hitting.
7. 75 vs Hyderabad — 2019 (IPL)*
Special mention:
- Quickfire late-innings performance clinching a close victory.
- Highlights Dhoni’s mastery under pressure.
8. 54 vs Pakistan — Lahore, 2006 (ODI)*
Why it ranks:
- A strong, match-defining innings against a key rival early in Dhoni’s career, featuring aggressive timing and running between wickets.
9. 224 vs Australia — Chennai, 2013 (Test)
Why it’s special:
- Dhoni’s highest Test score ever — a commanding double century.
- Anchored India’s innings through challenges against a strong bowling attack.
10. 56 vs England — T20I (Bangalore, 2017)
Why it’s notable:
- One of Dhoni’s best T20 knocks in international cricket.
- Showcased his ability to score quickly and lead from the front in the shortest format.
What Makes These Innings Special
Match context — World Cups, finals, tense chases
Pressure performance — often entered with the team under stress
Finishing ability — especially in T20s/IPL
Versatility — great knocks across formats: ODI, Test, IPL, T20I
Every innings above is part of the conversation around Dhoni’s most remarkable batting moments and includes games that fans and experts alike remember for context and execution.