India's playing 11 from MS Dhoni's Test debut in 2005 - where are they now?
Legendary keeper-batter MS Dhoni, who remains one of the finest to grace the cricket field, celebrates his 43rd birthday today (July 7, 2024). His last international appearance came in the 2019 World Cup against New Zealand.
Dhoni's international Test debut came against Sri Lanka in December 2005 in Chennai. Unfortunately, the rain wiped out the first three days of action, as India compiled a total of 167, with the key contributions of Virender Sehwag (36), Rahul Dravid (32) and Dhoni (30). The match ended with Sri Lanka at 168/4, with Mahela Jayawardene scoring 71 off 80.
Certainly, Dhoni's first game consisted of legendary Indian players in the XI. Let's take a look at what the playing XI are up to nowadays.
Top-order: Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid (c)
Gautam Gambhir serves as a mentor to Kolkata Knight Riders, who recently lifted the IPL 2024 title. He is reportedly in line to become the head coach of the Indian team this month.
Virender Sehwag works as an analyst for various media houses. Until 2023, he participated in the franchise tournaments consisting of retired players.
Rahul Dravid ended his tenure as head coach of the Indian team. During his term, India won the 2024 T20 World Cup, ended as the runners-up in 2023 World Cup and 2021-23 WTC final.
Middle-order: Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, Sourav Ganguly, MS Dhoni (wk)
The 'Little Master' Sachin Tendulkar is currently a mentor for Mumbai Indians. He last appeared on the field in the Road Safety Series 2022.
VVS Laxman recently ended his three-year tenure as a National Cricket Academy (NCA) chairman. He is the temporary head coach of India for the ongoing T20I series against Zimbabwe.
Sourav Ganguly served as the 35th president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India from October 2019 to October 2022. He is currently the Director of Cricket for Delhi Capitals.
MS Dhoni took part in IPL 2024, scoring 161 runs in eight innings at an average of 53.67 and a strike rate of 220.55.
Bowlers: Irfan Pathan, Ajit Agarkar, Anil Kumble, Harbhajan Singh
Irfan Pathan serves as an analyst in various broadcasting companies covering Indian cricket and ICC events. He is currently representing the country in World Championship of Legends tournament.
Ajit Agarkar is currently the chairman of the selectors for the Indian men's team. The former Indian pacer was lauded for his chosen squad, which went on to lift the 2024 T20 World Cup trophy.
Anil Kumble is seen working as an analyst for websites and media houses. From 2020 until 2022, Kumble was the head coach of the Punjab Kings.
Harbhajan Singh recently featured on Star Sports as an analyst for 2024 T20 World Cup. 'Turbantor' is currently taking part in World Championship of Legends tournament.