MS Dhoni took perhaps the fastest stumping ever in cricket history during CSK vs RCB IPL 2025 clash in Chennai on Friday. However, the batting star had to pack his bags early with a brisk dismissal, which left fanatics and specialists awe-stuck as yet again the phenomenal reflexes of Dhoni kicked in as he masterfully latched onto an edge to once again luminously demonstrate why he is regarded as one of the best- ever to have graced the game behind the stumps. Salt, who was going hard, fell for 32 off 16. The incident happened soon after Dhoni stunned the cricketing fraternity by stumping Mumbai Indians’ Suryakumar Yadav in 0.12 seconds.
Dhoni stumping phil salt
In the Powerplay, Salt, an aggressive batsman, had already struck a few boundaries, looked dangerous. But the complexion of the game changed in the blink of an eye when Noor Ahmad bowled a sharp googly that deceived the English batter. As Salt attempted an off-side push, the ball turned past him and the back foot rose half feet off the ground. All it took was that one second of indecision for Dhoni. Then, as if he was having a play at his own workshop, he cleaned it beautifully and whipped off the bails in another instant.
Salt tried to recover, but it was too late. Dhoni knew it and so did the third umpire who reviewed what was immediately evident — he had done it again, crafted a top-drawer stumping. The MA Chidambaram Stadium’s crowd exploded in joy at the latest stroke of genius from their lovingly-imbued ‘Thala’.
Watch the dismissal here:
MS Dhoni: Wicketkeeper As Per The Standards
But what Dhoni has always been good at is the reading of the game in front of him in the now and responding accordingly. And over the years his lightning fingers have trumped some of world cricket’s most mesmerizing batsmen. His reflexes and response time, at 43, have not slowed, defying the odds and his age.
His latest stumping was a display of just how far ahead he is of the competition at the stumps. There is technical jargon aplenty, about how Dhoni predicts instead of reacts to a batter’s movement. He has an instinctive understanding of spin bowling, and with his exquisite positioning, he can do it in microseconds.”
It wasn’t the first time Dhoni had dazzled fans in a blink with his glovework. Just a few days earlier during the match between MI and Suryakumar Yadav, he had executed a phenomenal stumping in just 0.12 seconds off Noor Ahmad bowling that was enough to take everyone’s breath away. That dismissal is widely regarded as one of the fastest in cricket’s storied history. With yet another stupendous innings against the RCB now, he has done justice to himself once more.
How Reviews Played Out in Dhoni’s Stumping
That sensational piece of work soon became the talking point of the game, Jai Shankar recalls, “Commentator and fans both praised Dhoni’s reflexes during the match. “Put down your scissors, Salty,” former cricketer and commentator Danny Morrison said, with his eyes fixed on the camera. You’re out of here, son. You’re not quick enough!”
The replay indicated that even Dhoni was unsure of the appeal initially. But his incurable humility meant he told Noor Ahmad it was a wash 50-50.” The third-umpire, however, wasn’t much of a reality and as it happened — MS Dhoni had come up with another absolute screamer.
There were reactions on social media from fans and ex-cricketers alike. Some dubbed him the “GOAT of wicketkeeping,” while others marveled at his ability to pull off such magic at this stage in his career. Of course there were memes too, alongside comparisons with his all-time great stumpings, as fans reminisced Dhoni’s glorious dismissals over the years on social media.
Prior to being dismissed, Salt was in terrific touch. The England batter had taken huge advantage of Powerplay limitations, striking 32 runs off just 15 balls. A streak of boundaries off his bat applied pressure on CSK’s bowlers. But one inaccuracy was all it took and the doors were opened for Dhoni to have another stump victim in his spell behind the stumps.
The exit of Salt at such an important phase was a crushing blow to RCB. CSK did need runs on the board but Dhoni’s sorcery ensured that they and luck turned around in the contest.
Battle between RCB vs CSK
The match was already a high-voltage one as both teams had started off their campaign by winning their respective opening encounters. CSK had also register victory against MI in their IPL 2025 opener while RCB had demolished defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders.
With players like Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis, and Glenn Maxwell in RCB’s side, the affair was always going to be a high-stakes one. But Dhoni’s stumping was a massive breakthrough for CSK, altering the balance in the match towards their side.
Leading CSK, Ruturaj Gaikwad had won the toss and decided to bowl first, trusting his experienced bowling unit to contain the destructive RCB batting order. The leg spinner Noor Ahmad, who figured in both of Dhoni’s recent stumpings, would again be a key weapon. His ability to deliver sharp turn and fool batters has added a fresh dimension to CSK’s spin attack.
Most cricketers either retire or take on a mentor role at 43. But MS Dhoni seems to be growing better with age, behind the stumps. His physical condition and game understanding, his reflexes, remain at an elite level that allows him to impact when it matters most.
The speculations around if IPL 2025 would be Dhoni’s last were never-ending, but performances like this douse the flames of such speculations and give hope to fans that he will be there for yet another year. His value to his franchise goes beyond the joys and the hopes he brings to the CSK stable, he has become a motivation for all aspiring wicketkeepers who dream of playing at the highest level.
What Lies Ahead for MS Dhoni and CSK?
This still ipl in its early stage, Dhoni and CSK would be hoping to carry on their strong start. Their next challenge will be maintaining that consistency in the quest for another title. As long as Dhoni keeps producing such magic moments, CSK would remain one of the favorites for the trophy.
At least for the next little while, cricket fans everywhere can sit back and watch the show. As far as MS Dhoni in process is concerned, one thing for sure – age is just a number when it comes to his stumping prowess.
