Top Stumpings by MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni has the most stumpings in international cricket (Twitter)
When it comes to wicket-keeping, few names resonate with skill and innovation like that of MS Dhoni. The legendary stumper has made a name for himself in the sport as perhaps the finest wicketkeeper the world has ever witnessed.
Top 7 Stumpings by MS Dhoni
With a career marked by World Cup victories and unbreakable records, Dhoni’s true proficiency lies in his magnificent stumpings. An impeccable combination of agility, razor-sharp reflexes, and deep cricketing intellect allows him to dismantle the stumps with a fluidity and speed that is mesmerizing to behold.
The 42-year-old former Indian captain, who has a record 195 international stumpings and 42 in the IPL, is not just quick, he's nearly supernatural in his anticipation and execution, turning potential runs into devastating dismissals. Dhoni's inventive and rapid glovework has led to countless stumpings. It's a skill that has not only brought victories but has also left the fans in absolute awe and admiration.
In this listicle, we take a look at the top seven MS Dhoni stumpings in his cricketing career.
7. MS Dhoni stumping of George Bailey in 3rd ODI vs Australia in 2016
In the third ODI of India's 2016 Australia tour at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Dhoni's stumping of George Bailey became an iconic instance of his swift glovework. The hosts, chasing 297, were comfortably positioned at 150/2 with Bailey and Shaun Marsh at the crease.
In the 27th over, Ravindra Jadeja's off-stump delivery outfoxed Bailey, but Dhoni's sharp instincts were the highlight. As Bailey’s foot slightly dragged out of the crease, Dhoni took the chance gleefully, quickly dislodging the bails. The perplexed Bailey was declared out after several replays that revealed Dhoni's exceptional agility behind the stumps.
6. MS Dhoni stumping of Ian Bell in Champions Trophy 2013 Final vs England
Dhoni's stumping of Ian Bell marked a turning point in India's thrilling five-run victory over England in a rain-shortened Champions Trophy 2013 final. Defending a modest 130 in 20 overs, India needed quick breakthroughs and the Indian captain provided one with his flawless wicket-keeping.
MS Dhoni stumps Ian Bell (Twitter)
When Bell was deceived by a Jadeja delivery that angled in, Dhoni was ready, removing the bails in a fraction of a second. This dismissal not only derailed England's innings but also instilled a belief in the Indian side that the title was within reach. Dhoni's brilliance behind the stumps played an essential role in India's triumph, adding the final piece of silverware in his ICC trophy cabinet.
5. MS Dhoni stumping of Tillakaratne Dilshan in 2nd T20I vs Sri Lanka in 2016
In the second T20I of the 2016 series against Sri Lanka at his home in Ranchi, Dhoni's swift stumping of Tillakaratne Dilshan off Ravichandran Ashwin's bowling marked a pivotal moment. Coming off a loss in the first match, India was determined to set the tone early. Ashwin bowled a straighter one to Dilshan, who stumbled in his attempt to connect, leaving a split-second opportunity.
Dhoni's lightning-fast reflexes were on display as he removed the bails in a flash, dismissing the danger man on the first legal delivery of the innings. This crucial wicket set the stage for India's comprehensive win, restricting Sri Lanka to just 127 after India's impressive 196, and once again underlined Dhoni's game-changing abilities from behind the stumps.
4. MS Dhoni stumping of Shubman Gill in IPL 2023 final vs Gujarat Titans
The thrilling final of IPL 2023 between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Gujarat Titans (GT) saw Dhoni's wicket-keeping genius once again prove to be decisive. With GT's openers Shubman Gill and Wriddhiman Saha in fine form, CSK needed a breakthrough.
Jadeja's sixth delivery in the seventh over provided the opportunity, as he deceived Gill, giving Dhoni a mere 0.1 second to react. Dhoni's swift collection and stumping sent the leading run-scorer Gill back to the pavilion, swinging the momentum in CSK's favour. The match concluded with CSK chasing down a rain-adjusted target of 171 in 15 overs, winning their fifth IPL title on the final delivery.
3. MS Dhoni stumping of Sabbir Rahman in World Cup 2016 vs Bangladesh
In the high-stakes 2016 T20 World Cup clash against Bangladesh, Dhoni executed a sensational stumping that swung the match in India's favour and also gave his flawless presence of mind. Chasing a modest 146 at Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Sabbir Rahman stepped out to attack Suresh Raina's delivery but was deceived by the spin.
MS Dhoni stumps Sabbir Rahman (YouTube)
Dhoni, with his signature cool, caught the wide delivery and patiently awaited Rahman's loss of balance. In a lightning-quick motion, he dislodged the stumps, and Rahman's wicket fell. Although Dhoni's run-out on the final ball is often lauded, his stumping of Rahman was equally crucial in India's nail-biting one-run victory, keeping their tournament dreams alive.
2. MS Dhoni stumping of Mitchell Marsh in 2nd T20I vs Australia in 2012
During India's 2012 tour Down Under, Dhoni's stumping of Mitchell Marsh in the second T20I match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground showcased his unmatched wicket-keeping skills. Off Rahul Sharma's well-flighted delivery, Marsh was enticed out of his crease, missing the ball altogether.
In an astonishing 0.09 seconds, Dhoni executed a stumping, marking the fastest recorded stumping in cricket at the time. His reflexes and seamless glovework turned a fleeting opportunity into a game-changing moment. The dismissal resulted in Australia being bowled out for 131, a target that India chased down with eight wickets and two balls to spare, levelling the two-match series 1-1.
1. MS Dhoni stumping of Keemo Paul in 4th ODI vs West Indies in 2018
This was Dhoni’s fastest ever stumping that he affected in 0.08 seconds. During fourth ODI against West Indies in 2018 at Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai, India set a massive target of 377 riding on the backs of a stunning 162 by Rohit Sharma and 100 by Ambati Rayudu. In response, West Indies were down and out of the chase with eight wickets down.
On the penultimate ball of the 28th over by Jadeja, West Indies batter, Keemo Paul momentarily lost his balance at the crease, and Dhoni, with hawk-like vision, seized the opportunity. As the ball reached his gloves, Dhoni's hands moved in a flash, dislodging the bails before Paul could regain his footing. The entire sequence unfolded in mere fractions of a second which left fans and commentators astounded.
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