1. Promoting himself up in the batting order in the 2011 World Cup final

India was chasing a stiff target of 275 runs in the final of 2011 World Cup against Sri Lanka. The men in blue lost Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, and Virat Kohli fairly early in the run chase. Everyone expected Yuvraj Singh to bat next, who was India’s best player during the tournament.

However, MS Dhoni had already decided that he was going out to bat next after talking with Indian coach Gary Kirsten. Dhoni felt he will be able to play Muralitharan better being a right-handed batsman. Out walked Dhoni under extreme pressure at the Wankhade and produced an innings for the ages.

The Indian captain completely erased the thread of Murali and took the match away from Sri Lanka. Dhoni remained unbeaten on 91 and sealed the final clash with his trademark six down the ground.