In a fast-paced world of cricket, one of the key aspects among other moments is quick stumping. The wicket keeping skill is a testament to a wicketkeeper’s reflexes during the game. A glovesman should have sharp focus to grab the ball and remove the bails in a fraction of a second.

MS Dhoni is regarded as the fastest wicket keeper in the world. The former India captain’s skills behind the stumps made him the top wicket keeper, holding the record for the fastest stumping in cricket.

In this article, we explore the top 10 wicket keepers who have showcased their prowess behind the stumps.

List of wicket keepers with the fastest stumping in cricket history

MS Dhoni vs Keemo Paul

In a bilateral series against West Indies in 2018, the then-Indian wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni dismissed Keemo Paul through stumping. Dhoni holds the record for the fastest stumping in cricket history, stumping the Caribbean batter in just 0.08 seconds. 

Speaking of the game, India posted a formidable total of 377, thanks to centuries from Rohit Sharma (162) and Ambati Rayudu (100). During the penultimate delivery of the 28th over of West Indies’ innings, Paul missed Ravindra Jadeja’s delivery which allowed the wicketkeeper to snatch the ball and quickly dislodge the bails. This performance made him the world’s fastest wicket keeper.

MS Dhoni vs Mitchell Marsh

Another notable performance of MS Dhoni came during India’s bilateral series against Australia in 2012. During the second T20I of the series, Dhoni dismissed Mitchell Marsh through stumping of Rahul Sharma’s delivery. The Aussie batter tried to hit the ball maximum but he failed to do so. Dhoni successfully grabbed the ball and dislodged the bails in just 0.09 seconds. 

Ben Cox vs Callum MacLeod

English cricketer Ben Cox earned a spot in the elite list, following a remarkable and fortunate performance during a T20 Blast match between Worcestershire and Derbyshire in 2018. Ed Barnard delivered in a good length and it was angled towards opposition batter Callum MacLeod. The batter attempted to take a single, but the ball struck Cox’s pad and got redirected and struck the stumps. 

MS Dhoni vs Shubman Gill

During the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL) final, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) then-captain MS Dhoni dislodged the bails to send back Gujarat Titans’ (GT) batter Subman Gill. The GT batter attempted to play a delivery by Ravindra Jadeja but missed it, and Dhoni dismissed him in just 0.1 seconds. This wicket proved crucial for CSK, who eventually won the title for the fifth time.

Brendon McCullum vs Ricky Ponting

Former New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Brendon McCullum’s remarkable performance behind the stumps came during an ICC Cricket World Cup match against Australia in 2011. Australia were struggling to chase a mammoth total despite making a strong start, courtesy of solid partnerships between Shane Watson and Brad Haddin. Australia’s then-captain Ricky Ponting was spotted struggling against speedster Tim Southee which forced McCullum to move closer to the stumps. McCullum had the last laugh as he stumped Ponting after the batter failed to make contact with the ball.

Kumar Sangakkara vs Jimmy Maher

During the VB series between Australia and Sri Lanka in 2003, Jimmy Maher attempted to score a biggie against Muttiah Muralitharan. Unfortunately, it emerged as a turning delivery which saw Kumar Sangakkara effortlessly grabbing the ball and quickly throwing it towards the stumps. 

Kumar Sangakkara vs Brian Lara

Kumar Sangakkara’s another crucial stumping came during a match against the West Indies in 2007. Windies batter Brian Lara missed a delivery by Chaminda Vaas, and Sangakkara managed to snatch the ball and stumped the batter in a fraction of a second. This stumping marked one of the remarkable dismissals in the history of international cricket.

Mark Boucher vs Marvan Atapattu

South Africa’s Mark Boucher earned a spot in the list after dismissing Sri Lankan batter Marvan Atapattu with an outstanding stumping. During a match in the bilateral series in 2006, Boucher seemingly completed the catch and the batter went out of the crease. The South African made no mistakes and dislodged the bail in a swift motion. 

Adam Gilchrist vs Craig McMillan 

During a bilateral series between Australia and New Zealand in 2005, Adam Gilchrist scripted history dismissing pace bowler Craig McMillan. Gilchrist stood right behind the wicket when Glenn McGrath was bowling. McMillian failed to execute his plan as Gilchrist swiftly grabbed the ball and threw it to the stumps.

Bradley Barnes vs Saurabh Tiwary

South Africa’s Bradley Barnes is at the bottom of the list, who has earned a spot following a crucial stumping during the U-19 Cricket World Cup in 2008. The Proteas off-spinner Yaseen Vallie delivered a low full toss outside the off stump to Indian batter Saurabh Tiwary. The batter’s calculations went wrong as Barnes in no time to flick the bails off.

Conclusion

The fastest stumping in cricket demonstrates the remarkable flexibility and precision of a wicket keeper. Legendary Indian cricketer  MS Dhoni is regarded as the fastest wicket keeper in the world. He features thrice in the list of fastest stumping in cricket history. The 43-year-old’s record in wicket keeping is proof of his agility, reflexes, and precision behind the stumps. 

Achieving fast stumping demands a lot of skill and exceptional nimbleness. The quick stumping in cricket showcases the critical role a glovesman plays in a team’s defensive tactics.