Ranji Trophy 2016-17: MS Dhoni reaches Nagpur to cheer for Jharkhand in semi-final

The India limited-overs captain has taken out time for his state team when he is not on national duty. It is rare for the national team captain to train with his domestic team but Dhoni has done so frequently.

India‘s limited-overs skipper MS Dhoni on Sunday took a chartered flight, as he reached Nagpur to cheer for his domestic team Jharkhand, who are playing against former champions Gujarat in the semi-final of the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2016-17, at the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) Ground. Dhoni is the unofficial mentor for the Jharkhand side, while he does not play the longer version of the game, following his retirement in the format in 2014. However, he still practices with the Jharkhand players during the domestic First-Class season. Besides, he also turns out for his state side occasionally in domestic limited-overs tourneys. Coming to this match, a mere 300 people in the crowd soon forgot about the match as soon as Dhoni made his way into the stadium, as they chanted ‘Dhoni-Dhoni’, reported DNA.

The India limited-overs captain has taken out time for his state team when he is not on national duty. It is rare for the national team captain to train with his domestic team but Dhoni has done so frequently. He dropped in at the nets ahead of Jharkhand’s Ranji Trophy opener against Maharashtra at the Karnail Singh Stadium in October. The 35-year-old was also part of the pre-season camp held at the international cricket stadium in Ranchi. He spent time with the team in Chennai too in August on the sidelines of Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament, reported PTI.

Live Cricket Score Ranji Trophy 2016-17, Semi-Finals, Day 1

.@msdhoni watching the post-lunch session in Nagpur. His team needs some inspiration with Gujarat 107/1 and Panchal 63*. #RanjiTrophy pic.twitter.com/yK2gLxQFNd

— Saurabh Somani (@saurabh_42) January 1, 2017

Besides providing a morale booster to the players, Dhoni will get crucial net sessions under his belt ahead of international assignments. It has been all the more helpful this season with India having a Test-heavy season at home. With the Vijay Hazare Trophy only starting on February 25, Dhoni will not get a competitive game before the England series starting on January 15, added PTI.

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