Legend. Leader. Lightning behind the stumps. MS Dhoni, one of India’s greatest cricketing icons, was officially inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame on Monday in a glittering ceremony held in London. The former India captain joined an elite list of cricketing legends, cementing his legacy not just in India but across the cricketing world.
However, it wasn’t just the numbers or the trophies that stole the spotlight during the event. It was Ravi Shastri’s humorous yet heartfelt tribute to Dhoni that lit up the occasion — comparing his famously quick hands behind the stumps to those of a “pickpocket”.
“You Don’t Want MS Behind You in Ahmedabad”
Former India head coach and veteran commentator Ravi Shastri brought the house down during his speech when he said:
“He has hands faster than that of a pickpocket. If you're ever in India, going for a big game, especially in Ahmedabad, you don't want MS behind you; watch that back. The wallet will disappear.”
The remark, while laced with humor, perfectly captured Dhoni’s extraordinary reflexes behind the stumps — a hallmark of his career. From last-second stumpings to lightning-fast run-outs, Dhoni was a wicketkeeper-batter like no other, often making the impossible look routine.
A Legacy That Redefined Indian Cricket
Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s career stats speak volumes about his impact:
Tests: 90 matches, 4876 runs @ 38.08, 256 catches, 38 stumpings
ODIs: 350 matches, 10,773 runs @ 50.57, 321 catches, 123 stumpings
T20Is: 98 matches, 1617 runs @ 37.60, 57 catches, 34 stumpings
Across all formats, Dhoni executed 157 stumpings — a staggering number and a world record in itself — along with 378 catches in white-ball cricket.
But more than numbers, it was his calmness under pressure, tactical brilliance, and unorthodox leadership style that defined Dhoni’s greatness. He led India to:
T20 World Cup 2007 (inaugural edition)
ODI World Cup 2011
ICC Champions Trophy 2013
With these victories, Dhoni became the only captain in history to win all three ICC white-ball tournaments — a feat unmatched to this day.
Still Going Strong at 43
Despite retiring from international cricket in 2020, Dhoni hasn’t hung up his boots entirely. He continues to play and mentor in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), where he enjoys a near-mythical status among fans. His calm leadership and finishing prowess have helped CSK win five IPL titles, making them one of the most successful franchises in the tournament’s history.
Even at 43, Dhoni is seen sprinting between the wickets, keeping wickets with precision, and leading the team with his classic cool demeanor.
ICC Hall of Fame: An Honor Long Overdue
The ICC Hall of Fame, launched in 2009, is cricket’s way of immortalizing its greatest servants. Players are inducted only five years after retirement, which makes Dhoni’s inclusion in 2025 fittingly timely.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah commented on the induction:
“Through the ICC Hall of Fame, we pay tribute to the finest players the game has seen, individuals whose remarkable careers have shaped cricket's legacy and inspired generations.”
Dhoni now joins the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, and other Indian greats in this prestigious club — a testament to his contribution to the sport.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Cricketer
MS Dhoni’s journey from a small-town boy in Ranchi to becoming a global cricketing icon is the stuff of legends. He inspired an entire generation of Indian youth to dream big, stay grounded, and finish strong — both on the field and off it.
Ravi Shastri’s comparison to a “pickpocket” may have been delivered in jest, but it encapsulates what made Dhoni special: his unmatched instincts, sharpness, and ability to steal moments that turn the tide of the game.
As cricket fans, we can only feel privileged to have witnessed the era of MS Dhoni — and now, with his place secured in the ICC Hall of Fame, his legacy is officially timeless.
