The recently concluded limited-overs cricket series against Sri Lanka helped Mahendra Singh Dhoni highlight his importance to the Indian side in the run up the 2019 World Cup. The former India captain produced several moments for his fans to cherish in years to come. From playing to match-winning knocks to taking a nap on the field, Dhoni grabbed most headlines during the ODI and T20 series. The wicketkeeper-batsman also achieved three significant milestones during the five-match ODI series. Mahi became the first wicketkeeper to effect 100 stumping, played in his 300th 50-over match and set the record for most unbeaten ODI knocks.
In India’s final outing on the tour, the one-off T20 International on Wednesday, the 36-year-old conjured up another magical moment that left cricket fans awestruck. Dhoni pulled off a trademark quick stumping to dismiss Angelo Mathews (7) off Yuzvendra Chahal in the seventh over.
Dhoni’s devastating quickness meant the right-hander failed to make it back into the crease despite his best effort.
Indian cricket fans were more than happy using the words ‘lightning quick’ to describe yet another Dhoni stumping.
Skipper Virat Kohli scored a brilliant 82 off 54 balls as India won the lone T20I match comfortably by seven wickets. With four balls to spare Manish Pandey (51*) hit the winning runs as India whitewashed Sri Lanka 9-0 across all-formats in a single series.
Kohli was finally out caught at deep mid-wicket off Isuru Udana (1/36). Overall, he hit seven fours and a six. India were just 10 runs away from victory at that point.
Dhoni (1 not out) and Pandey completed the formalities without duress with the latter reaching his maiden T20 International fifty off 36 balls, inclusive of four boundaries and a six.