5.Promoting himself to No.5 in the 2011 World Cup final

As we all noticed in the biopic ‘MS DHONI: The untold Story’, Dhoni wanted to bat ahead of Yuvraj Singh in the ultimate final because an off-spinner was bowling. As Virat Kohli’s wicket fell, everyone expected Yuvraj Singh to walk in as the Punjab-born was in sublime form throughout the tournament, But Dhoni was seen walking down the steps to join Gautam Gambhir.

This masterstroke proved a match-winning one as Dhoni went on to score 91 off 79 balls taking India across the target of 275 against Sri Lanka. Former India Coach Gary Kirsten once recalled how it was Dhoni’s willingness to promote himself despite not being in the best form.

“After the second wicket fell, there was a knock on the dressing room window and he was saying, “I want to go in next,” said Gary Kirsten.