MS Dhoni Total Sixes
MS Dhoni is not just remembered as one of India’s most successful captains, but also as one of the greatest finishers the game has ever seen. His ability to stay calm under pressure and then explode with powerful sixes in the final overs made him a nightmare for bowlers across formats. From international cricket to the IPL, Dhoni’s six-hitting has played a decisive role in countless victories for India and Chennai Super Kings.
In this article, we take a detailed look at MS Dhoni’s total sixes in ODI, T20I, Test cricket, and the IPL, along with iconic moments that defined his reputation as a big hitter.
MS Dhoni Total Sixes in International Cricket
Across Test matches, One Day Internationals, and T20 Internationals, MS Dhoni hit a remarkable 359 sixes in international cricket. This achievement is even more impressive considering he often batted in the middle and lower-middle order, where opportunities to play long innings are limited.
In Test cricket, Dhoni smashed 78 sixes in 90 matches. His highest score of 224 against Australia remains one of the most iconic innings by an Indian wicketkeeper, showcasing his ability to dominate even red-ball bowling.
In ODI cricket, Dhoni’s power-hitting truly flourished. Over a career spanning from 2004 to 2019, he hit 229 sixes in 350 ODIs, including the unforgettable 183* against Sri Lanka. His six-hitting in ODIs was often calculated, coming at moments when India needed acceleration rather than reckless aggression.
In T20 Internationals, Dhoni struck 52 sixes in 98 matches. While his T20I numbers may look modest compared to modern power hitters, his sixes often came in high-pressure situations, especially during the early years of international T20 cricket.
MS Dhoni Sixes in the Indian Premier League (IPL)
MS Dhoni’s reputation as a six-hitter grew even stronger in the Indian Premier League. Playing primarily for Chennai Super Kings, and briefly for Rising Pune Supergiant, Dhoni became famous for finishing matches with towering sixes in the final overs.
As of the IPL 2025 season, Dhoni has hit over 250 sixes in the IPL, with his tally standing at approximately 252 sixes. His unbeaten 84 against Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2019 remains one of the most celebrated IPL knocks, where his late assault almost pulled off an impossible chase.
Even in the later stages of his career, Dhoni continued to clear the ropes with ease, proving that timing and strength can overcome age.
Combined Sixes in MS Dhoni’s Career
When international cricket and the IPL are combined, MS Dhoni has smashed over 611 sixes in professional cricket. This places him among the most prolific six-hitters in the history of the game, despite never being an opener or a full-time powerplay batter.
His six-hitting stands out because it was rarely flashy. Instead, it was efficient, match-aware, and often game-ending.
Iconic Sixes by MS Dhoni
Some of MS Dhoni’s sixes are etched permanently into cricket history. The most famous is undoubtedly the 2011 World Cup final six at Wankhede Stadium, which sealed India’s World Cup victory and instantly became one of the most replayed moments in the sport.
Another unforgettable display came during the 2016 Asia Cup, where Dhoni smashed 20 runs off the final over against Bangladesh, finishing the match with a six under extreme pressure.
In the IPL, his late-innings sixes against teams like RCB, Mumbai Indians, and Kolkata Knight Riders have repeatedly turned matches in CSK’s favor, earning him the nickname “Captain Cool” for his calm finishing style.
FAQs: MS Dhoni and Six-Hitting
How many sixes has MS Dhoni hit in ODI cricket?
MS Dhoni has hit 229 sixes in One Day Internationals.
What is MS Dhoni’s total six count in the IPL?
As of IPL 2025, Dhoni has smashed 252 or more sixes in the Indian Premier League.
Has Dhoni hit more sixes than Virat Kohli?
Yes, MS Dhoni has hit more career sixes than Virat Kohli in international cricket and also holds an advantage in IPL sixes.
Is MS Dhoni among the top six-hitters of all time?
Yes, Dhoni comfortably ranks among the top five to ten six-hitters in world cricket, depending on the format and criteria used.
Conclusion: Dhoni — The Six Machine
MS Dhoni’s sixes were never about brute force alone; they were about timing, confidence, and game awareness. With over 600 sixes across international cricket and the IPL, Dhoni remains one of the most impactful power-hitters the sport has ever produced. His six-hitting legacy continues to inspire young cricketers who dream of finishing matches under pressure.
P.S. This article is for informational purposes only. For official and regularly updated statistics, please refer to trusted sources such as BCCI and ESPNcricinfo.