The local lad, Dhoni made his appearance with wife Sakshi to watch the opening match of the three-match series at the JSCA International Stadium Complex.
Watching himself on the big screen, the legend waved at the crowd, which was followed by rousing ‘Dhoni Dhoni’ chants.
MSD + Ranchi = 🤩When the Ranchi crowd welcomed the legendary @msdhoni in style 😃👌#TeamIndia | #INDvNZ |… https://t.co/sLgQ05dBFT
— BCCI (@BCCI) 1674834041000
Earlier on Thursday, Dhoni gave Team India players a pleasant surprise as he visited the team’s dressing room. Dhoni was seen first having a chat with T20 skipper Hardik Pandya and then with young wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan.
The former captain is also seen interacting with opener Shubman Gill, spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, Washington Sundar as well as the support staff.
Look who came visiting at training today in Ranchi – the great @msdhoni! 😊#TeamIndia | #INDvNZ https://t.co/antqqYisOh
— BCCI (@BCCI) 1674734537000
Coming to the match, opener Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell struck half-centuries to guide New Zealand to a comfortable 21-run win. With this victory, the Kiwis took 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Conway made a 35-ball 52, while Mitchell smashed a 30-ball unbeaten 59.
For India, Washington Sundar (2/22) scalped two wickets, while Kuldeep Yadav (1/20), Shivam Mavi (1/19) and Arshdeep Singh (1/51) accounted for one batter each.
Washington later came up with his maiden half-century in T20Is, scoring 50 off 28 balls and in-form batter Suryakumar Yadav scored a 34-ball 47 but it was not enough.
Left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner choked India in the middle overs, giving away just 11 runs in his four overs and dismissing two batters.
