Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Mahendra Singh Dhoni
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Cricket records are frequently tested in sports related general knowledge questions, particularly in countries where cricket is very popular. Stumpings are dismissals made by wicketkeepers when they remove the bails while the batsman is out of the crease. Reaching 100 stumpings in One Day Internationals is a rare achievement, and the first wicketkeeper to reach this milestone did so in 2017.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- The record is for 100 stumpings in ODIs.
- The milestone was reached in 2017.
- The options are Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Kumar Sangakkara, Mark Boucher and Adam Gilchrist.
- We must choose the wicketkeeper who first achieved this record at the international level.
Concept / Approach:
Mahendra Singh Dhoni is widely regarded as one of the best wicketkeeper batsmen in limited overs cricket. His quick hands and sharp game sense led to many stumpings, especially against spin bowling. By 2017, he became the first wicketkeeper in ODI history to record 100 stumpings. Other great wicketkeepers such as Sangakkara, Boucher and Gilchrist took many catches and stumpings too, but none reached this exact landmark before Dhoni did.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Note that the achievement concerns stumpings, not total dismissals or catches.
Step 2: Recall that Dhoni had a reputation for very fast stumpings and was closing in on a century of stumpings around 2017.
Step 3: Remember that news reports celebrated Dhoni becoming the first wicketkeeper to reach 100 stumpings in ODIs.
Step 4: Recognise that while Sangakkara, Boucher and Gilchrist have impressive records, they did not reach the same stumpings milestone before Dhoni.
Step 5: Select Mahendra Singh Dhoni as the correct answer.
Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify from cricket statistics summaries that Dhoni total stumpings crossed 100 during an ODI series in 2017. Many sports news outlets highlighted this as a unique record at that time, using headlines such as Dhoni becomes first wicketkeeper with 100 ODI stumpings. If you follow cricket closely, this would have been a memorable achievement.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B (Kumar Sangakkara) has a large number of dismissals and stumpings but did not reach 100 stumpings before Dhoni achieved it.
Option C (Mark Boucher) is known more for catches and total dismissals rather than stumpings alone.
Option D (Adam Gilchrist) was an aggressive wicketkeeper batsman but did not hold this particular stumpings record.
Common Pitfalls:
A common error is to mix up the record for total dismissals with the record for stumpings, or to assume that earlier generation wicketkeepers must hold every record. Another mistake is to underestimate Dhoni keeping skills because he is also famous for his batting and captaincy. When answering sports record questions, always read the exact type of record mentioned and recall specific news items about it.
Final Answer:
The correct answer is Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who became the first wicketkeeper in world cricket to effect 100 stumpings in ODIs in 2017.
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