It wouldn’t be wrong to say that it has happened for last time in international cricket that former India skipper MS Dhoni walked out to bat for the last time at the JSCA stadium in Ranchi. He came out to bat when India was reeling at 27/3. Chasing a mammoth total of 314, the Men in Blue lost their openers, Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan, early and then they also lost Ambati Rayudu for two runs. Dhoni walked out to bat at No 5 and he went in to join the skipper Virat Kohli.
On seeing the local hero, the Ranchi crowd went berserk. They were all standing and screaming for their homegrown hero. The 37-year-old is nothing short of a superstar in this part of the country and the reception he got from the crowd at JSCA was nothing short of surreal.
Here is the video of Dhoni’s entry:
When the 'Lion' walks out to bat in his den 🦁🦁#INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/WKRKGpKgaB
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 8, 2019
A lot was now expected from the pair of Dhoni and Kohli, but the homeboy lost his wicket in the 20th over. India needs the two big batsmen in the middle if they want to close in on the Australia target.
Earlier, Indian pacers covered up commendably for a rare off-day endured by the spinners as Australia were restricted to 313 despite a 193-run opening stand between skipper Aaron Finch and Usman Khawaja in the third ODI on Friday. Usman Khawaja (104, 113 balls) scored his maiden ODI ton while skipper Finch (93, 99 balls) chose this particular match to get back to form. Glenn Maxwell (47 off 31 balls) also contributed with lusty blows.
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During the toss, in an attempt to pay respect to the martyred CRPF personnel in the cowardly Pulwama terror attack, Kohli was seen wearing a special camouflage cap and said that the entire team will wear the special military caps in Ranchi as a tribute to the fallen CRPF men. According to reports, the move has been suggested by none other than Lt. Col. MS Dhoni (he’s with the Territorial Army) and skipper Kohli.
Currently, the Indian team is reeling at 160/4 in 30 overs. Kedar Jadhav (26) and Kohli (81) are holding the fort for the Men in Blue.
