Mahendra Singh Dhoni is one of the most popular cricketers in India. His fan following is unbelievable, with several dubbing him the greatest captain in cricket history. Many even believe that there won't be another player like him in the future as well. 

The wicketkeeper-batsman has a stunning record of 10,773 runs in ODIs, 4,876 runs in test matches, and 1,617 runs in T20s. He also has several wicket-keeping records and is considered one of the best wicket-keepers of all time, with 643 successful catches and 195 affected stumpings. 

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Mahendra Singh Dhoni's terrible start in cricket 

A lot of new fans don't know this, but Mahi was not always this perfect. In the first match he ever played for India, Mahi got run out and had a terrible start in 2004. However, his determination and hard work has now paid off as he retired as one of the most successful captains of all time. 

Dhoni aka Captain Cool has led India to several victories including the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup, 2011 ICC T20 World Cup, and 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. 

MS Dhoni's down-to-earth personality 

Despite his prestigious status and position in the Indian cricket team, MS Dhoni has always maintained his humility and never let stardom and success go to his head. In 2019, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni was spotted sleeping on the airport floor while waiting for a flight during the IPL season. This candid moment of Dhoni won several hearts as it showed his grounded nature and simplicity. 

Dhoni recently gave another example of his humility when he declined the offer to inaugurate a pavilion after him at the JSCA stadium in Ranchi, Jharkhand. 

A look at MS Dhoni's unique sports superstitions 

Several sportspersons have their own superstitions which help them feel confident about their game and develop an optimistic mindset. From Sachin Tendulkar always wearing his left pad first to Serena Williams bringing her shower sandals to the court, there are strange superstitions that athletes follow to keep their spirits high. 

Our beloved Mahi also has some strange superstitions that he believes in. In an interview, Virendra Sehwag revealed one superstition that Dhoni followed which he believes helped him score 91 runs in 79 balls in the 2011 ICC World Cup final which got them the trophy. It was eating Khichdi the whole tournament. Virendra said, "Everyone was having some or the other superstition, and everyone was following theirs. MS Dhoni had a superstition of having 'khichdi' all through the World Cup. He used to say that even if I'm not scoring runs this superstition is working, and we're winning matches."

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Pragyan Ojha also revealed that Dhoni does not wish 'good luck' to players or teammates before the match. It is one of Mahi's superstitions. Talking to Sports Today, Ojha said, "MSD will never wish his team members' all the best' or 'good luck' before a game. Because he feels, if he wishes somebody quite a few players he has wished his players during a game, it ended up in a very different way. That's maybe why he has stopped it."