India, Sept. 8 -- Nine years since he stepped down as captain, and six years after he announced his retirement from international cricket, MS Dhoni's reign over Indian cricket remains oh so cherished. What did India not achieve? T20 World Cup, check. Champions Trophy, check. Becoming the No. 1 Test team for the first time. Check. Winning the 50-over World Cup after 28 years. Check. India have yet to win it since 2011.

The Dhoni era had it all. It oversaw a generational shift, where even larger-than-life superstars weren't spared, and the new guard was welcomed with open arms. It was under Dhoni that Indian cricket saw Virat Kohli emerge, while Rohit Sharma transformed his career as an opener. Yuvraj Singh was at his ruthless best between...