Mahi started off as a footballer. He played football for couple of years then changed to cricket in school. He managed to get into the Under 16 and the Under 19s district level.In 1999-2000 he made his debut in the Ranji Trophy. In 2000-2001 he played in the Duleep Trophy, Deodhar Trophy,In  the domestic competitions he was very consistent. His consistency and lack of good wicket keeper who can bat well gave him the entry in the Indian cricket team.

India from past did not have a good wicket keeper who can also bat well. Only few countries have such wk. Adam Gilchrist (Australia) has one of the best wk in the world who can bat well. Other than that Kumar Sangakkara(Srilanka), Kamran Akmal(Pakistan) have nowadays started similar kind of era.

But Dhoni is different from all of them. Unlike others he does not open the innings but still has a very good strike rate and average, say one of the best till date. He is ranked no.1 in ICC ratings for batsmen. His style is different from others. His knack of hitting sixes is awesome especially the ones over extra covers off both fast bowlers and spinners. He has played 42 matches, 38 innings in which he has hit 44 -6s. One 6 per match. he has finished 3 matches by hitting 6, say he is good at finishing. He is also a good runner between wickets. Recently in the 2nd match in Abu Dhabi he introduced a shot: Hitting behind the wicket just beside the wicket keeper which the commentator named as 'Dhoni sweep'. He is a hard hitter. Its a record to score 1000 runs in very less number of matches. He scored them in just 30 matches. However he has the ability to score runs faster.In previous tour to Pakistan he and Yuvraj finished a matched in which throughout they were in RR of over 8. But he did not panic. His average against Pak is more than 200!! Few months before in the Ranji Plate Semi finals against Haryana, Jharkand were chasing a big total of over 500 runs , which had two bowlers who played for India- Joginder Sharma and Amit Mishra. Jharkand’s top order collapsed. He smashed 109 off 75 balls.In Duleep finals a few years back one hour left for the end of day, he smashed 60 off just 47 balls. 

Now he is ruling. World's no.1 batsmen. Hope he maintains the position. 

Note: Dhoni and Akmal have played equal no. of matches and innings.