Not alien to records and milestones, Mahendra Singh Dhoni grabbed one more on Wednesday night when he became the first Indian to be win the ICC ODI Player of the Year award.
"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 teammate Sachin Tendulkar, Australia fast bowler Nathan Bracken and Pakistan stalwart Mohammad Yousuf for 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 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.
Currently ranked number one in the ICC Player Rankings for ODI batsmen, Dhoni thanked all for standing by him.
"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 figured on the ICC ODI Team of the Year, picked by the ICC selection panel.
