Nepal wicket-keeper Arjun Saud executed majestic consecutive run-outs during December 26’s Nepal T20 League match between Janakpur Royals and Biratnagar Super Kings; the manner of the dismissals reminding the viewers of Indian great MS Dhoni.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni was the benchmark for up-close wicket-keeping for more than a decade as his splint-second stumps and run-outs often left the viewers as well as the opponents in his awe.
Nepal’s Arjun Saud shows his keeping prowess
The 19-year-old keeper was breathtaking behind the stumps for Super Kings during the aforementioned match and his outrageous run-outs helped his team dominate Janakpur Royals for a while.
The first of the two run-outs came when Caribbean batsman Chadwick Walton knocked the ball near the point region and set off for a quick single. His partner Sundeep Jora responded in time and Sikandar Raza’s throw was evading the keeper, however, Arjun Suad leaped to grab the ball with his right hand and flicked it back onto the stumps while mid-air.
The second one came off the very next ball and saw the keeper catch Pulami short by deflecting the ball from under his legs onto the sticks.
Making @msdhoni proud!😍 Crazy run-out in Nepal T20.
Catch all the action from the Nepal T20 league LIVE, only on #FanCode 👉 https://t.co/Bh24dt8b0I@CricketNep#NepalT20League #NepalCricket #RunOut #MSDhoni #ArjunSaud pic.twitter.com/U7uzK6Htb1
— FanCode (@FanCode) December 27, 2022
The lightning-fast reflexes and awareness that Saud showcased reminded fans of former Team India skipper and wicket-keeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni during his prime.
Notably, Arjun Saud has represented Nepal in 7 ODIs and three T20 internationals and was also a part of the Nepalese team for the Under-19 Asia Cup 2021.
The young talent represents Sudurpashcim Province in Nepal’s domestic circuit is touted as the future of the budding cricketing nation.
Coming back to the match, Saud’s keeping prowess did not prove enough for the Super Kings as big-hitting Chadwick (69 not-out off 55) took Janakpur to a convincing win that has given them their 2nd win in three matches.