MS Dhoni prevents the Indian flag: The Indian wicket-keeper batsman put on display a heartening gesture on the ground.
During the third T20I of the ongoing India’s tour of New Zealand at Hamilton, the match witnessed three incident of invaders entering the ground to meet former India captain and current wicket-keeper batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The separate incidents happened both when Dhoni was keeping wickets and batting.
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In what was a major breach of security by the invaders, it also speaks highly about the 37-year old cricketer’s fan-following across the globe. Having said that, these fans should not indulge in such practices especially during a match.
Three ground invaders in one game… doesn’t happen too often. Atleast all of them were fully clothed… #NZvInd
— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) February 10, 2019
During the first incident, which happened when Dhoni was behind the wickets, a fan ran in from the crowd with an Indian flag in his hands. Just as he came close to the legendary cricketer, he bent down to touch his feet.
What the fan didn’t notice was that the Indian flag was about to touch the ground when he was bending down. Unperturbed by the invader, Dhoni immediately held the flag in his hands, not letting it touch the ground.
The way Dhoni expressed his regard and respect for the flag came down as one of his most heartening acts. The same was appreciated by one and all across social media platforms. Watch the full video below:
आपल्या माहीचं देशप्रेम..
मैदानात आलेल्या फॅनच्या हातातला तिरंगा पायाजवळ जाण्यापूर्वीच काढून घेतला…
देश आपल्यापुढे असल्याचं पुन्हा एकदा धोनीनं दाखवून दिलं…#Dhoni #Dhoni300#म @msdhoni@CSKFansOfficial @StarSportsIndia pic.twitter.com/pJ2YymbOq0
— Shishupal Kadam (@RealShishupal) February 10, 2019
Dhoni never keep Flag on his helmet as he had to put it down for sometimes sums up this ❣🙏🏻!!
Massive Massive respect for this legend!!@msdhoni #MSDhoni pic.twitter.com/7wD16hYthE
— Vidyadhar R (@Vidyadhar_R) February 10, 2019
Talking of Dhoni’s performance in the match, he affected a lightening-fast stumping to dismiss New Zealand wicket-keeper batsman Tim Seifert in the first innings. In the second innings, Dhoni came in to bat at No. 6 with his team needing 72 runs in six overs.
On the second delivery of the 16th over, Dhoni’s attempt of matching up to the required run rate saw him skying a Daryl Mitchell delivery to Tim Southee at long-on. He ended up scoring 2 (4).
India gave the impression of lacking behind in the chase as Dhoni got out. However, it was a 63-run unbeaten partnership for the seventh wicket between Dinesh Karthik (33) and Krunal Pandya (26) which saw the visitors taking the match till the last over. India eventually fell short of target by 4 runs.
Read some of the other Twitter reactions on Dhoni below:
He picked up the flag first. Huge huge Mr. Dhoni. @msdhoni https://t.co/ibFla4cY5z
— 10 Bamboos (@Baba_Gyancho) February 10, 2019
In any situation never allow anyone to forget the dignity of our National Flag, salute to @msdhoni #dhoni #Respect #Salute #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/TEWBaNds3H
— Hitesh patel (@Hiteshp190297) February 10, 2019
I know we lost but i have so much respect for Dhoni but this tops it all. The Indian fan forgot you shouldn’t put the national flag on the ground or near the shoes but MS even during a game realised that. Took it right off him, amazing. #NZvIND pic.twitter.com/gTrByBvoF9
— Naveen (@ImNsamy) February 10, 2019
