While it was a usual India vs Bangladesh bilateral match-up, where India were the heavy favourites. The most probable result indeed materialised, however, Bangladesh did give India a run for the money. The Indian cricket fans slept with satisfaction that the team was able to evade the setback of losing to Bangladesh and edged the noisy neighbors by 11 runs. The hibernation might have been even sweeter had someone been of the knowledge that the unbeknownst chapter of Indian cricket had arrived at the surface.

3 things you need to know

• MS Dhoni made his international debut on December 23, 2004
• Today marks the 19th anniversary of MS Dhoni's debut
• MS Dhoni made over 17000 runs in international cricket

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MS Dhoni: Then, now, forever

December 23, 2004, turned out to be the day that no Indian cricket fan can ever forget. It is the iconic date when MS Dhoni made his international debut. Though, it wasn't the most memorable of debuts, as he got dismissed on a duck via. a run-out. But it was just a lull before the storm. In a short span of the next 40-odd matches, MS Dhoni showcased his mettle to the world and made the record of being the quickest to reach the pinnacle of the ICC ODI Batsman rankings. His viscosity with the bat and match IQ soon pushed him under the captaincy spotlight and thus began the glorious years of Indian cricket.

Under Dhoni's captaincy, India became the dominating force in all three formats and eventually conquered the world by winning the ICC ODI World Cup 2011. While Dhoni's era has ended, for enthusiasts it is the subject to delve deep into again and again. Thus, with that being the case, the fanatics paid tribute to the date when it all started.

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Fans celebrate the 19th anniversary of MS Dhoni's international debut

MS Dhoni achieved everything on the field. To date, he is the only captain in World Cricket, who has all three ICC trophies under his belt. As a batsman, he played over 500 matches and scored more than 17000 international runs. Along with all that he has accomplished, one more thing that would remain immortal is the love and endearing that MS Dhoni receives. The lovers of the sport cannot get enough of him and want him to continue to grace the game even at the age of 42. A glimpse of it is on social media. Here's a little portion of the love that has been showered over MSD on the 19th anniversary of his international debut.

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There are no signs that this respect is going to get frittered. For the fans, the luxury of witnessing MS Dhoni on the field of cricket is expected to come back, as the legend is likely to lead Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL for another season at the least.