Ranchi: India lost the first Twenty20 match against New Zealand by 21 runs but there were moments for the fans to shout. In India’s reply, Suryakumar Yadav’s brilliant shots and Washington Sundar’s quick half-century gave the fans moments to remember. But above all, it was the presence of one person in the stadium that made the fans so happy. None other than the former captain of the Indian cricket team, Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
In the VIP box at the JSCA Stadium, the crowd went wild whenever the TV screen showed Dhoni sitting with his wife Sakshi. ‘Dhoni, Dhoni…’ chants rang out in the stadium. Dhoni also did not forget to wave to the fans with a small smile. JSCA Stadium is the home ground of Dhoni, who hails from Ranchi. Before the match, Dhoni met the players in person and spoke to them.
New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham’s words after the match had the full feeling of the fans’ adoration for Dhoni. “It’s actually a great feeling. There is really no one to watch us bat or bowl. Everyone has come to see someone else. Honestly, I enjoyed it.” – said Jimmy Neesham.
Moreover, the Indian players also pulled off some spectacular performances witnessing Dhoni, one of India’s best wicket-keepers of all time. The most notable of these was the direct throw of Ishan Kishan, the wicket keeper from Ranchi. Ishan Kishan’s throw was to run out New Zealand batter Michael Bracewell in the 18th over.
Coincidentally, another Indian player, Suryakumar Yadav, surpassed Dhoni in the Twenty20 run chase. Suryakumar Yadav, currently the number one batsman in Twenty20, scored 47 runs off 34 balls yesterday. With this, Surya scored 1625 runs from 44 innings. Dhoni scored 1617 runs from 98 matches.
English Summary: MS Dhoni waves at Ranchi crowd during India vs New Zealand 1st T20I