MS Dhoni was one of the most complete cricketers to have represented India, and his stellar records both as a batsman and leader speak volumes about the effect he had on Indian cricket throughout his career.

It is widely acknowledged that Dhoni won India many games with his batting and smart decisions, but we often forget he was probably the best glovesman in the world and given his rivals included Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara, Australia’s Adam Gilchrist and South Africa’s Mark Boucher, it was definitely a no mean feat.

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As Dhoni turned 40 on Wednesday, the International Cricket Council shared a video of Dhoni’s famous stumpings. 

The world governing body, which is often blamed for showing bias towards Indian cricketers just to please their large fan base, decided to tread with caution and ended up making a mistake.

“Only for a fraction of a second and Dhoni, like lightning, had those bails off.”  Happy birthday to one of the sharpest keepers in cricket history,” ICC wrote on the micro-blogging site.

“Only for a fraction of a second and Dhoni, like lightning, had those bails off.”

Happy birthday to one of the sharpest keepers in cricket history 🧤 pic.twitter.com/WNwxngwx5E

— ICC (@ICC) July 7, 2021

In the video thumbnail, the ICC had described Dhoni as “quickest hands in the East” and the Sri Lankan legend Sangakkara was quick to correct the ICC and wrote that Dhoni was the “quickest hands in the world during his time not just the East”. 

While most Indian fans would say that there wasn’t any debate and that they already knew that Dhoni was the quickest wicket-keeper in the world, deep down even they knew how close the fight was between Dhoni and his compatriots. 

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Sangakkara was one of the all-time greatest cricketers to have played the gentleman’s game and his induction into the ICC Hall of Fame only confirms his stature in world cricket.

Like Dhoni, Sangakkaraa was known for his humble nature and if someone like him praises a particular player, it goes on to prove how special the player must have been.

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The ‘Thala’ fans were moved by Sangakkara’s gesture and hailed him as the legend of the game and someone who always played with so much class and dignity, a quality of a true sportsman.

Only a great human being could have said this. You are a true Legend & great human being. Always played the game with so much class & dignity. There was a time when it felt @KumarSanga2 has never been out of form.

— what India Loves (@whatindialoves) July 7, 2021

Spoken like a champion and legend! No wonder many many fans and players respect you so much 🏼

Best wishes to you and the man of the hour @msdhoni . Happy 40th Mahi 🥳

— Prasanna A. (@prasaimei) July 7, 2021

This tweet should get more likes than ICC tweet, sangakkara we indian love you, you were equally great

— Rakesh Kumar Jha (@rakesh2100jha) July 7, 2021

A great paying respect to another great ️

— TheMSDianGirl️ (@themsdiangirl7) July 7, 2021

Cool captains in same era ️️️ pic.twitter.com/dzUQuQIHrt

— T.Sayanthan01 (@Sayanthan01T) July 7, 2021

Can't compare legends ...But can say that u r a great sportsman and nicest human being .....By this u prove that respect earns respect.....

— Deepak Kabra (@DeepakKabraGhy) July 7, 2021

@KumarSanga2 you are phenomenal too.. I have been always a fan of your calmness & Batting..

— Navin Gupta (@NavinG12) July 8, 2021

Coming from you is really high praise! Happy birthday to MSD and take a bow @KumarSanga2 !

— Aniruddha Joshi (@Aniruddhajoshi) July 7, 2021 

Sangakkara is one of the most respected names in world cricket and after this gesture, he earned a special place in the hearts of millions of Indian fans around the world.

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