Cricket

Dhoni delighted on winning top ODI award

Mahendra Singh Dhoni became the first Indian to win the ICC ODI Player of the Year award and the star stumper-batsman is relishing it.

“It feels great to know that I am the first Indian player to get this particular award and it’s very special because now I am in the company of a lot of other good cricketers,” said an elated Dhoni.

The Indian beat off tough competition from team-mate Sachin Tendulkar, Australian fast bowler Nathan Bracken and Pakistan stalwart Mohammad Yousuf to take the prestigious award.

“Some fantastic players have won this award in the past and to be mentioned in their company is truly a humbling experience for me,” said India’s ODI and Twenty20 captain.

During the voting period, Dhoni played 39 ODIs and scored 1,298 runs at an average of 49.92 and at a strike-rate of 82.46 runs per 100 balls faced. In that time he hit a century and nine fifties, making sure he led his team from the front. Also in that time, the wicketkeeper in him effected 62 dismissals, 46 catches and 16 stumpings, which is almost twice as many as the next best.

“I would like to thank the Voting Academy for considering me to be deserving of this award. I am really happy to get this it’s a great privilege. I would like to thank the ICC, my home cricket board, my family, my team-mates and friends,” said the star player.

Dhoni also featured on the ICC ODI Team of the Year, picked by the ICC selection panel.

Tags: ICC Awards 2008, MS Dhoni