MS Dhoni over the years: The remarkable journey from 2004-2018 in pictures

Dhoni after receiving the Test mace in 2009

He scored two centuries during Sri Lanka’s visit to India in 2009, leading the side with aplomb as they secured the No.1 spot in Tests and clinched the ICC Test mace. He followed it up by leading India to a 1-1 draw against South Africa in the World Championship of Tests.

The Dhoni-Kirsten partnership was one of the most fruitful in Indian cricket

The engine was running smoothly under the Dhoni-Gary Kirsten combination.

Preparations were in place for World Cup 2011, arguably the biggest test in Dhoni’s then spotless captaincy career. The pressure was immense, unlike during the 2007 World T20.

The team clicked as a unit; spearheaded by an ageing Sachin Tendulkar, they progressed through each match to reach the final at Wankhede. A Dhoni special, a remarkable unbeaten 91, complete with a massive six at the end, brought home the ultimate glory.

Dhoni played the innings of his life in the 2011 World Cup final

The unprecedented rise was followed by a deadly abyss. India went on to lose eight Test matches on the trot, with Dhoni’s captaincy suddenly finding a host of critics. It was a difficult time for the Indian captain and his team, one that led to the senior players’ exit from the side. Age had suddenly started to show on Dhoni’s face.

Dhoni got a lot of brickbats for his uninspiring captaincy in 2011