On Tuesday, the day before the fourth ODI in Ranchi between India and New Zealand, a photo of Mahendra Singh Dhoni driving his Hummer SUV from the airport to the hotel went viral. Not for the fact that Dhoni was driving it, but for the reaction of the New Zealand cricketers, who were looking at him from their team bus. 

Take a look for yourself, as Dhoni shows he’s got swag. Note Ross Taylor’s reaction at the top of the image. 

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On Wednesday, for the second time in two days, Taylor was left stunned by MSD. But this time it was thanks to the Indian skipper’s wicket-keeping skills.

It was the 46th over in the first innings of a must-win match for New Zealand. Ross Taylor was well set and was looking to push the Kiwis to a big score in the last five overs. He tapped a ball behind square leg and scampered back for what seemed a tight second run. 

The throw from Dhawal Kulkarni in the deep was weak. Taylor can’t be blamed for thinking he would be safe. But Dhoni had other ideas.

He took a look at Taylor struggling to get back and moved a good few feet ahead of the stumps, realising the throw will not reach him on time. He gathered the ball and without even looking at the stumps — back-flicked the ball for a direct hit. 

Boom! Taylor was caught short by inches. 

Take a look at that moment of magic from Mahi in his own backyard.

The reaction of Taylor said it all.

b'”WHAT JUST HAPPENED?” / Screengrab: Hotstar’

Dhoni, who is known for his out-of-the-box thinking as a ‘keeper, has done this many times before. His no-looking back-flick direct-hits, lightning quick stumpings, and stretching of his legs to prevent a late cut are now characteristic. 

Remember this?

Mahendra Singh Dhoni – Redefining wicket-keeping, one crazy dismissal at a time.