The most-memorable ODI knocks of Mahendra Singh Dhoni

Mahendra Singh Dhoni was arguably one of the greatest Indian cricketers of all time. The wicketkeeper-batsman went on to conquer the world with his cool and calm demeanour, leading India to both the World T20 and ODI World Cup, and also the ICC Champions Trophy titles. He is the only captain to win all three ICC-sanctioned tournaments.

But his claim to fame comes from his veritable cricketing knowledge, which enables him to play that perfect knock for the team -- bidding his time, assessing the situation before going for the final kill. This tried and trusted formula has helped India win numerous games, including the 2011 World Cup.

Dhoni's batting exploits in the dead overs have resulted into garnering bets over his inning. People place bets for different reasons, the major reasons being the fun derived from it. Then there is the possibility of making a few extra bucks. Since making money off sports betting is rocket science, most people stick to the fun. If you want to excel in your cricket betting strategies or up your cricket skills, Windia’s mission is to give its you a comprehensive review and understanding of all aspects of cricket. Whether it’s about learning how to bet on cricket, straight cricket betting tips, cricket rules, cricket news, or IPL updates.

Here are five of Captain Cool's best ODI knocks:

91 not out vs Sri Lanka, World Cup final in Mumbai on April 2, 2011

This will be remembered as MS Dhoni's best knock. Chasing a target of 275, India were in a spot of bother at 114/3 in 22 overs. Then, Gautam Gambhir (97 off 122) and Dhoni (91 off 79) stitched a 109-run stand, before Yuvraj Singh (21 off 24) helped Dhoni in an unbeaten 54-run stand. India beat Sri Lanka by six wickets with 10 balls to spare for their second World Cup title. His world cup winning 'helicopter' six off Nuwan Kulasekara will remain as one of the most revisited sights in Indian cricket.

148 vs Pakistan, 2nd ODI in Visakhapatnam on April 5, 2005

After failing to impress in his first four matches, Dhoni was promoted to bat at number three. Dhoni scored his first international hundred against the visiting Pakistan and announced his arrival. After losing the wicket of Tendulkar in the fourth over, Virender Sehwag (74 off 40) and Dhoni (148 off 123) added 96 runs. It was followed by a 149-run stand with Rahul Dravid (52 off 59, of which Dhoni scored 99 off 76. India's 356/9 proved too big a total for the neighbours as India won the match by 58 runs.

183 not out vs Sri Lanka, 3rd ODI in Jaipur on October 31, 2005

Six months after hitting his maiden ton, Dhoni produced his highest individual ODI score of 183 not out off 145 against Sri Lanka at Jaipur. Rival wicketkeeper Kumar Sangakkara set the tone in a high-scoring match with a knock of 138 runs off 147 balls as the visitors set a still-a-daunting 299-run target. Continuing to bat at number three, Dhoni hit 15 fours and ten sixes against the likes of Chaminda Vaas and Muttiah Muralitharan. India's next highest scorer was Virender Sehwag, who scored 39 off 37. India won the match by six wickets with 23 balls remaining.

92 not out vs South Africa, 2nd ODI in Indore on October 14, 2015

India, up against a potent South African bowling attack, were reduced to 82/3 inside 18 overs, and then kept losing wickets at the other end while the skipper continued to wage a lone battle. During his unbeaten 92-run knock off 86 balls, Dhoni held the Indian innings together by stitching crucial stands with Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Harbhajan. India's score of 247/9 proved just about enough as the Proteas could manage only 225.

87 not out vs Australia, 3rd ODI in Melbourne on 18 Jan 2019

After failing to hit a 50+ score in 14 innings, fingers started pointing at Dhoni, questioning his utility in a format where he used to rule like no one. But with the World Cup happening in the next five months, he needed to prove his worth again. And he did it so in style, helping India win their maiden ODI series in Australia. After the fifties in the first two matches, Dhoni played a masterful knock, measuring every stroke to compile 87 runs off 114 balls while successfully chasing a 231-run target. He played that knock, probably, for himself to assure himself to push for the final glory, at the World Cup.