In the world of cricket, wicket-keepers play a crucial role, and one aspect that showcases their lightning-fast reflexes is the stumping. MS Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer, holds an astonishing record for the fastest stumping in cricket history, achieving it in a mere 0.08 seconds against the West Indies’ Keemo Paul. This display of sheer quickness is a testament to Dhoni’s prowess behind the stumps, cementing his place among the greats of the game.

Stumping, the act of a wicketkeeper dislodging the bails before the batsman can regain their ground, has witnessed some truly remarkable feats over the years. Dhoni’s blistering stumping is accompanied by other standout performances, such as Ben Cox’s stumping of Calum MacLeod, Kumar Sangakkara’s dismissal of Jimmy Maher, and Brendon McCullum’s stumping of Ricky Ponting in the 2011 World Cup. These lightning-quick moments have etched their names in the annals of the fastest stumpings in cricket history.

List of Top 10 Fastest Stumping

1- MS Dhoni vs. Keemo Paul

MS Dhoni holds the record for the fastest stumping in cricket history at 0.08 seconds when he dismissed Keemo Paul of the West Indies in an ODI match. The video evidence showcases Dhoni effecting this lightning-quick stumping of Paul in just 0.08 seconds, which is the fastest stumping ever recorded.

This remarkable feat took place during the 3rd ODI match between India and West Indies in 2018, a game that India won by a record margin of 224 runs. Dhoni’s stumping of Keemo Paul was widely praised for showcasing his brilliant wicket-keeping skills and lightning-fast reflexes behind the stumps.

The stumping is ranked second in the list of the Top 10 Fastest Stumpings in Cricket History, with Dhoni’s dismissal of Keemo Paul also clocking in at an astonishing 0.08 seconds. This stumping solidified Dhoni’s reputation as one of the greatest wicket-keepers in the game, with his quickest stumping taking just 0.08 seconds to dismiss the West Indian batsman.

Here’s a breakdown of the key details surrounding this record-breaking stumping:

1. Batsman Dismissed: Keemo Paul (West Indies)
2. Wicket-Keeper: MS Dhoni (India)
3. Time Taken: 0.08 seconds
4. Match: 3rd ODI, India vs West Indies (2018)
5. Result: India won by 224 runs

Dhoni’s stumping of Keemo Paul in 0.08 seconds stands as a testament to his exceptional reflexes and skill, etching his name in the annals of cricket history as the holder of the fastest stumping ever recorded. 

2- MS Dhoni vs. Mitchell Marsh

MS Dhoni holds the record for the second-fastest stumping in cricket history at 0.09 seconds. When he dismissed Mitchell Marsh of Australia in a T20I match. Dhoni is considered the best wicketkeeper to have played the game, with his speed, anticipation, and record-breaking performances. He holds the record for the most stumpings in ODI cricket with 123 stumpings in 350 matches, and in T20I cricket, Dhoni has the most stumpings with 34 in 98 matches.

The stumping of Mitchell Marsh in 0.09 seconds is a testament to Dhoni’s exceptional wicket-keeping skills, reflexes, and ability to anticipate the batsman’s movements.

Here’s a breakdown of the key details surrounding this record-breaking stumping:

1. Batsman Dismissed: Mitchell Marsh (West Indies)
2. Wicket-Keeper: MS Dhoni (India)
3. Time Taken: 0.09 seconds
4. Match: 2nd T20, India vs Australia (2012)
5. Result: India won by 8 Wickets

3- Ben Cox vs. Callum MacLeod

Ben Cox, the wicket-keeper for Worcestershire, performed an amazing stumping to dismiss Callum MacLeod of Derbyshire in a T20 Blast match. The stumping occurred in the 5th over of the Derbyshire innings, with Derbyshire struggling at 11/2. Bowler Ed Barnard bowled a delivery that pitched halfway and angled into MacLeod, who tried to dab it to third man for a single. The ball hit Cox’s pad, and the rebound hit the stumps, with MacLeod being out of his crease and adjudged stumped for just 1 run off 8 balls. This unusual stumping increased the pressure on Derbyshire, who were soon reduced to 28/4 and eventually fell short of the target by 16 runs.

Ben Cox dismissed Callum MacLeod in 0.10 seconds. This stumping by Cox is considered one of the fastest stumpings in cricket history, taking just 0.10 seconds.

Here are the key details of this lightning-quick stumping:

1. Batsman Dismissed: Callum MacLeod (Derbyshire)
2. Wicket-Keeper: Ben Cox (Worcestershire)
3. Time Taken: 0.10 seconds
4. Match: T20 Blast (2018)
5. Result: Worcestershire won by 16 runs

The stumping of Callum MacLeod by Ben Cox in just 0.10 seconds is a remarkable feat, showcasing the incredible reflexes and skills required for a wicket-keeper to effect such a dismissal.

4- MS Dhoni vs Shubman Gill

In the IPL 2023 final, Dhoni whipped off the bails before Shubman Gill even knew what hit him. Gill stumbled trying to handle a delivery from Ravindra Jadeja, missed it completely, and before he could recover, Dhoni had already done his magic behind the stumps. Gill had to walk back, thanks to Dhoni’s lightning reflexes.

Here are the key details of this lightning-quick stumping:

1. Batsman Dismissed: Shubman Gill (Gujarat Titans)
2. Wicket-Keeper: MS Dhoni (Chennai Super Kings
3. Time Taken: 0.1 seconds
4. Match: IPL (2023)
5. Result: CSK Won

5- Brendon McCullum vs. Ricky Ponting

Brendon McCullum dismissed Ricky Ponting in the 2011 World Cup with a quick stumping. The video shows a remarkable stumping by McCullum to dismiss Ponting during the 2011 World Cup match between Australia and New Zealand. The dismissal occurred when Tim Southee was bowling to Ponting, who was struggling against the swing and movement. Realizing Ponting was standing outside his crease, McCullum stepped up to the stumps.

Southee then bowled a wide delivery down the leg side, which Ponting attempted to flick but missed. McCullum collected the ball cleanly and completed a terrific stumping to dismiss Ponting. The video highlights McCullum’s quick reflexes and excellent wicket-keeping skills in taking advantage of Ponting’s positioning outside the crease.

McCullum’s strategic stumping of Ricky Ponting, where he outfoxed the Australian batsman, is discussed. Brendon McCullum of New Zealand stumped out Ricky Ponting of Australia in 0.11 seconds during the 2011 Cricket World Cup.

Key Details:

1. Batsman Dismissed: Ricky Ponting (Australia)
2. Wicket-Keeper: Brendon McCullum (New Zealand)
3. Time Taken: 0.11 seconds
4. Match: 2011 Cricket World Cup
5. Bowler: Tim Southee (New Zealand)

6- Kumar Sangakkara vs. Jimmy Maher

On January 15, 2003, during a VB series match between Australia and Sri Lanka at the Gabba, Kumar Sangakkara delivered one of the most acrobatic stumpings in cricket history. Jimmy Maher, the Australian opener, attempted to charge down the pitch against the spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan but was thwarted by a viciously turning delivery.

Sangakkara, displaying remarkable agility, stretched to his extreme left to grab the ball, losing his balance in the process. Undeterred, he flicked the ball with his right hand towards the wicket, finding the bull’s eye as Maher was caught well short of his ground. Sangakkara’s reaction revealed his own surprise at his athleticism, cementing this dismissal as one of the fastest stumpings in cricket annals.

Key Details:

1. Batsman Dismissed: Jimmy Maher (Australia)
2. Wicket-Keeper: Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka)
3. Time Taken: 0.13 seconds
4. Match: 2003 VB Series
5. Winner: Australia

7- Kumar Sangakkara vs. Brian Lara

Kumar Sangakkara, widely regarded as one of the greatest wicketkeepers of all time, showcased his exceptional skills in a match against the West Indies in 2007. Brian Lara, the legendary West Indian batsman, attempted an off-drive against Chaminda Vaas but misjudged the delivery, dragging his foot out of the crease in the follow-through.

Sangakkara, ever the opportunist, seized the moment and stumped Lara within the blink of an eye, leaving the batter stranded and adding another remarkable feat to his illustrious career. This dismissal stands as a testament to Sangakkara’s unwavering focus and lightning-quick reflexes behind the stumps.

Key Details:

1. Batsman Dismissed: Brian Lara (West Indies)
2. Wicket-Keeper: Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka)
3. Time Taken: NA
4. Match: 2007 World Cup
5. Winner: Sri Lanka

8- Mark Boucher vs. Marvan Atapattu

Mark Boucher, the former South African wicket-keeper, showcased his exceptional skills by dismissing Marvan Atapattu of Sri Lanka with a brilliant stumping that combined a catch and stumping in a single swift motion. This lightning-quick dismissal is highlighted as one of the fastest stumpings in cricket history.

Boucher’s stumping of Atapattu in 2006 is widely regarded as one of the most remarkable displays of wicket-keeping prowess. The incident showcased Boucher’s foresight and anticipation, as he not only collected the ball cleanly but also dislodged the bails in a seamless motion, catching Atapattu well short of his ground.

The entire sequence of events transpired in a matter of seconds, leaving spectators and commentators in awe of Boucher’s lightning-fast reflexes and exceptional coordination. This dismissal not only showcased Boucher’s skills but also highlighted the importance of anticipation and foresight in the art of wicket-keeping.

Key Details:

1. Batsman Dismissed: Mark Boucher (South Africa)
2. Wicket-Keeper: Marvan Atapattu (Sri Lanka)
3. Time Taken: NA
4. Match: 2006 World Cup
5. Winner: South Africa

FAQs

1- Who holds the record for the fastest stumping?

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, often known as MS Dhoni, holds the record for the fastest stumping. He stumped Keemo Paul of the West Indies in just 0.08 seconds.

2- What is stumping in cricket?

Stumping occurs when the wicketkeeper dislodges the bails from the stumps with the ball while the batsman is out of their crease and not attempting a run.

3- Why is MS Dhoni considered exceptional at stumping?

Dhoni’s quick reflexes, anticipation, and agility make him exceptional. His ability to stump batsmen in a fraction of a second sets him apart.

4- Are there any other notable fast stumpings in cricket history?

Yes, Ben Cox’s stumping of Callum MacLeod and Mark Boucher’s stumping of various batsmen are also notable for their speed.

5- Has technology affected stumping records?

Yes, technology like slow-motion cameras and instant replays have made it easier to accurately measure the speed of stumpings and verify records.

6- How is stumping speed measured?

Stumping speed is usually measured using high-speed cameras that record the action, capturing the exact time from the ball reaching the keeper to the bails being dislodged.

7- Is stumping more common in any particular format of cricket?

Stumping is more common in shorter formats like T20 and One Day Internationals due to the aggressive batting styles, which often leave batsmen out of their crease.

8- Can a stumping be contested?

Yes, like other dismissals, a stumping can be referred to the third umpire for review, especially if it’s a close call.

9- How do wicketkeepers practice for stumping?

Wicketkeepers practice by working on their hand-eye coordination, reflexes, and footwork. Drills often involve catching and stumping in quick succession to improve speed.

10- What makes a good wicketkeeper in terms of stumping?

A good wicketkeeper needs quick reflexes, strong hand-eye coordination, agility, and the ability to read the batsman’s movements.

11- Are there any records of fastest stumpings in women’s cricket?

Yes, records in women’s cricket also show impressive stumpings, though specific data on the fastest stumping might not be as widely publicized as in men’s cricket.