Explanation: MS Dhoni, whose full name is Mahendra Singh Dhoni, is a former captain of the Indian national cricket team and one of the most successful and celebrated cricketers in the history of the sport. Dhoni's career in international cricket began on December 23, 2004, when he made his debut in a One Day International (ODI) match against Bangladesh. This match took place in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and Dhoni played as a wicket-keeper batsman.
The debut match was part of a series of ODIs between India and Bangladesh. Dhoni's entry into international cricket was significant as he quickly established himself as a key player for the Indian team. His debut came at a time when the Indian cricket team was already a formidable force in the sport, and Dhoni's skills as a wicket-keeper and a lower-order batsman were soon recognized.
It is important to note that Dhoni's debut in international cricket was in the ODI format. He later made his debut in Test cricket on December 15, 2005, against Bangladesh, and in T20 International cricket on March 17, 2006, against South Africa. However, the question specifically asks about his debut in international cricket, which is correctly identified as the ODI match against Bangladesh on December 23, 2004.
Understanding the timeline of Dhoni's career is crucial for students of Indian cricket history. Dhoni's debut against Bangladesh marked the beginning of a career that would see him become one of the most successful captains in the history of the sport, leading India to numerous victories in various formats of the game, including the 2007 ICC World Twenty20, the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy.
In summary, the correct answer is that MS Dhoni made his international cricket debut on December 23, 2004, against Bangladesh. This information is a key part of Indian cricket history and is often tested in various competitive examinations related to Indian general knowledge.