MS Dhoni dismisses Asela Gunaratne with a lightning-fast stumping

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, apart from being a swashbuckling batsman and a calm leader, is also renowned for his artistic skills behind the stumps with the gloves. He has a great presence of mind and quick reflexes which have led to the dismissals of several batsmen. He makes batsmen pay even if they drag their foot outside the popping crease or lift them up for a split second.

He displayed his stupendous glove-work during India’s second T20 International against Sri Lanka at Indore. Kuldeep Yadav was taken to the cleaners by the Lankan top-order. However, he stormed back with three wickets- Asela Gunaratne being one of them. The left-hander went for an outrageous sweep shot off a full-pitched delivery.

Nevertheless, the ball eluded his bat and nestled into MS Dhoni’s webbings. Meanwhile, his back-foot sneaked outside the popping crease. MS Dhoni immediately spotted it and took off the bails in a flash. Replays were inconclusive, however, the third-umpire bravely declared him out.

Hara-kiri after Kusal Perera’s dismissal   

India, courtesy Rohit Sharma’s blistering knock, mustered 260 runs, which eventually turned out to be a far cry for the Islanders. Sharma and KL Rahul laid into the Lankan bowlers to rack up India’s highest team score in T20 Internationals. India, after their triumph at Cuttack, were expected to humble the Lankans at Indore.

Nevertheless, during their run-chase, Kusal Perera blazed away to a marvelous knock of 77 runs off 37 balls, which re-ignited hopes of a Lankan comeback. However, post his dismissal, Sri Lanka lost a flurry of wickets and slumped to a defeat by 88 runs. The last eight wickets fell for 27 runs within a space of 23 balls. India sealed the series 2-0.

Here’s a clip of the masterful piece of keeping by the former Indian skipper