'Faster than a pickpocket': Ravi Shastri's hilarious tribute as MS Dhoni inducted into ICC Hall of Fame

File Pic: Ravi Shastri and MS Dhoni

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NEW DELHI: MS Dhoni's legendary cricketing journey reached another milestone as he was formally inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame during a ceremony in London, becoming the 11th Indian cricketer to receive the prestigious honour.But it was former India head coach Ravi Shastri who stole the show with a witty and heartfelt tribute, comparing Dhoni's quick hands behind the stumps to those of a seasoned thief."He had hands faster than that of a pickpocket," Shastri quipped, leaving the audience in splits. "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."Reflecting on Dhoni's composed demeanour throughout his career, Shastri added, "He gets out for zero, he wins the World Cup, he gets a hundred the same, two hundred the same. There is absolutely, you know, no difference."Dhoni expressed his gratitude at being named to cricket's most exclusive list."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," he said, as quoted by the ICC.Dhoni's stellar career features 17,266 international runs, 829 dismissals, and three major ICC trophies — the 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup, and 2013 Champions Trophy. Known for his calm presence and sharp game sense, Dhoni played 538 matches for India and is widely regarded as one of the finest wicketkeeper-captains the sport has ever seen.

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