MS Dhoni's name is often the first that comes up in any conversation about wicket-keeping brilliance. Over the years, the former India captain built a reputation for making the toughest dismissals look simple.
One such moment from 2016 has resurfaced online - reminding fans of Dhoni's quick instincts and unorthodox style behind the stumps. The dismissal left even seasoned cricketers in awe.
Add The Sporting News as a preferred news source
MS Dhoni's unique stumping against Australia in 2016
It was during the second T20I between India and Australia in Melbourne on January 29, 2016. Chasing 184, Australia struggled to keep up with the required rate but its the dismissal of James Faulkner that saw Dhoni shine.
Facing Ravindra Jadeja, Faulkner tried to cut but the ball deflected off Dhoni's pad and ricocheted onto the stumps. With Faulkner out of his crease, the Indian keeper instantly celebrated while the batter stood baffled, unsure of what had just happened.
Replays confirmed Dhoni had not used his gloves at all - turning the stumping into one of the most unusual dismissals seen in international cricket.
Alex Carey calls MS Dhoni a genius behind the stumps
Reflecting on the moment in a Cricket Australia video, Australian wicket-keeper Alex Carey admitted the dismissal could easily have been a fluke. But when it came to Dhoni, he felt it was impossible to dismiss the idea of intent.
"Dhoni, he's a genius, so he probably meant it. This probably is intentional because it's MS Dhoni," Carey said while watching the clip.
"Dhoni, he's a genius!"
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) August 23, 2025
Alex Carey reacts to this incredible stumping from the Indian champion 👏 pic.twitter.com/KwSulc2yLf
His remarks highlighted the respect Dhoni continues to command from peers and opponents alike, long after his international retirement.
Dhoni's career is filled with moments that shows his anticipation and presence of mind. Whether it was lightning-fast stumpings, unconventional run-outs or tactical brilliance as captain, he consistently turned half-chances into game-changing moments.
The Faulkner dismissal remains one of the clearest reminders of why Dhoni is still regarded as one of cricket's greatest wicket-keepers - someone whose instincts could make the extraordinary seem deliberate.