"Lightning-fast reflexes, sharp hands, and top-notch awareness" – Hayden on Dhoni’s stumping of Suryakumar Yadav

"He's Still Got It": Hayden Applauds Dhoni’s Lightning Stumping of Suryakumar

At 43, MS Dhoni continues to defy age and expectations—especially with the gloves. In Chennai Super Kings' IPL 2025 clash against Mumbai Indians at Chepauk, Dhoni pulled off a trademark stumping to dismiss Suryakumar Yadav, leaving fans and former players in awe.

It was Noor Ahmad who did the setup, beating Suryakumar’s outside edge. But it was Dhoni who delivered the final blow, whipping off the bails with surgical precision. The dismissal proved pivotal, breaking a 51-run stand and triggering a middle-order collapse that saw MI finish at 155 for 9.

Former Australia opener and ex-CSK teammate Matthew Hayden couldn’t hide his admiration. “He was on fire,” Hayden said on ESPNcricinfo’s T20 Time Out. “Noor was darting it down the leg side, and Dhoni’s movement across the ball—despite being partially obscured by the batter—was outstanding. The stumping was just brilliant. Quick timing, soft hands, great vision—he’s still got it.”

Ruturaj Gaikwad, CSK’s current captain, noted after the match that Dhoni rarely practices wicketkeeping these days. Yet Piyush Chawla, who has bowled to Dhoni for years, shed some light on how the veteran prepares.

“It’s tough keeping to a bowler you haven’t worked with before,” Chawla said. “But I’m sure Dhoni had a few sessions with Noor during the pre-season. Whenever someone new joins—especially a wristspinner—Dhoni usually makes it a point to stand up to the stumps and take 10-12 deliveries. It helps him get a feel for their release and wrist position.”

Former India pacer Varun Aaron praised Dhoni for changing the very fundamentals of modern wicketkeeping.

“Most keepers wait to receive the ball,” Aaron said. “Dhoni’s technique is different. He doesn’t wait—he attacks. The ball barely gets to him before it’s back at the stumps. He’s completely redefined how stumpings are done.”

To underline Dhoni's elite skill, Hayden referenced an earlier match where Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Heinrich Klaasen missed a stumping opportunity against Sanju Samson.

“Klaasen couldn’t complete it,” Hayden recalled. “Everyone watching said the same thing—if that had been Dhoni, the batter would’ve been gone.”

As long as Dhoni's behind the stumps, age will continue to be just a number.

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