Former India captain MS Dhoni was among the notable faces at Lord’s Cricket Ground on Sunday as he watched India take on England in the series-deciding third ODI. Accompanied by his wife Sakshi Dhoni and family friend, actress Kriti Sanon, the legendary wicketkeeper-batter was spotted enjoying the high-profile clash from the iconic venue’s hospitality area, much to the delight of fans.
Dhoni has been spending time in London and has frequently made headlines during India’s tour of England. Earlier this month, he celebrated his birthday in the UK while Team India was involved in the T20I series. His appearance at Lord’s quickly went viral on social media, with supporters thrilled to see one of India’s greatest-ever captains back at the ‘Home of Cricket.’
However, the action on the field didn’t unfold the way Indian fans had hoped. England’s opening pair of Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell dominated the visitors’ bowling attack, putting together a commanding partnership after Harry Brook won the toss and opted to bat first.
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India were without pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who missed the contest due to a knee injury sustained during the second ODI in Cardiff. In his absence, young fast bowler Prince Yadav earned another opportunity alongside Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, and Gurnoor Brar, while Axar Patel remained the lone frontline spinner in the playing XI.
Despite the revamped bowling attack, India struggled to make an early breakthrough. Duckett and Bethell batted confidently, attacking both pace and spin to pile on the runs. The opening duo stitched together a massive 192-run partnership, putting England firmly in control of the contest.
THALA DHONI AT LORD’S 🥹💛 pic.twitter.com/oNta9NnRn2
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 19, 2026
Bethell narrowly missed out on a century, falling for a superb 91 off 93 deliveries, an innings laced with 11 boundaries and two sixes. Prasidh Krishna eventually broke the stand, providing India with a much-needed breakthrough after England had completely dominated the opening exchanges. Duckett, meanwhile, continued to anchor the innings and looked set for a well-deserved century.
Dhoni’s presence added extra emotion to the occasion, especially amid ongoing speculation surrounding Rohit Sharma’s ODI future. Although the BCCI and team management dismissed reports suggesting the Lord’s clash could be Rohit’s final appearance, the veteran opener remained under the spotlight as India prepared to begin their chase.
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With Rohit Sharma and captain Shubman Gill set to open the batting, Indian fans at Lord’s—and millions watching around the world—hoped the visitors could produce a memorable response and clinch the ODI series in front of one of the country’s greatest cricketing icons.
