Hands Faster Than a Pickpocket": Ravi Shastri’s Witty Tribute to MS Dhoni During ICC Hall of Fame Induction

London, June 10: Former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was officially inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame on Monday, June 9, marking a monumental moment in Indian cricket history. The event, held in London, was filled with nostalgia, admiration, and a dash of humour—courtesy of Ravi Shastri, former India head coach and commentator.

Stealing the show with his sharp wit, Shastri compared Dhoni’s legendary wicketkeeping reflexes to that of a pickpocket.“He had hands faster than that of a pickpocket,” quipped Shastri, drawing hearty laughter from the audience. “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.”

Dhoni, known for his ice-cool demeanour and razor-sharp glove work, took the jest in good humour, smiling as he accepted one of cricket’s highest honours.

Praising Dhoni’s mental strength, Shastri said, “He gets out for zero, he wins the World Cup, he gets a hundred the same, two hundred the same. There is absolutely no difference. That calmness under pressure defined him.”

With this induction, Dhoni joins an elite group of Indian legends in the Hall of Fame, including Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Anil Kumble, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Virender Sehwag.

MS Dhoni’s career remains one of the most decorated in cricket history. With over 17,000 international runs, the Ranchi-born cricketer holds the unique distinction of being the only captain to win all three ICC white-ball titles:

• 2007 T20 World Cup

• 2011 ODI World Cup

• 2013 Champions Trophy

His cool leadership style, iconic finishing abilities, and lightning-fast stumpings have made him a fan favourite across the globe.

Gracious as ever, Dhoni said during the ceremony,“It is an honour to be named in the ICC Hall of Fame, which recognises the contributions of cricketers across generations and from all over the world. To have your name remembered alongside such all-time greats is a wonderful feeling. It is something that I will cherish forever.”

As fans across India and the world celebrate this milestone, Dhoni’s Hall of Fame induction is yet another reminder of the remarkable legacy he has left behind in world cricket.