IND vs ENG: No Birthday Joy for MS Dhoni as Team India Suffer Humiliating Defeat at Trent Bridge

IND vs ENG 3rd T20I: Former India captain MS Dhoni was present at Trent Bridge on his 45th birthday, but there was little for the legendary cricketer to celebrate as the Men in Blue suffered a humiliating 125-run defeat against England.

To the delight of thousands of Indian fans gathered at the venue, the legendary wicketkeeper-batter turned up at Trent Bridge in Nottingham on his 45th birthday on Tuesday (July 7) to cheer for the Men in Blue during the third T20I against England.

However, Dhoni's presence in the stands failed to inspire the world champions as India produced one of their worst batting performances in T20I history.

Chasing a daunting 202 after England posted 201 for seven, India's much-vaunted batting line-up collapsed spectacularly. Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue ran through the visitors as they were bundled out for just 76 in 11.4 overs.

The 125-run loss was India's biggest defeat by runs in T20I cricket, while 76 was their second-lowest total in the format.

MS Dhoni Watches India's Historic Batting Collapse

Dhoni, one of the greatest captains in Indian cricket history, watched from the stands as India lost five wickets inside the powerplay for the first time in their T20I history.

Archer picked up three wickets inside the opening six overs, dismissing Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel. Tongue returned with four wickets as not a single Indian batter managed to score more than 13 runs.

The Indian innings lasted only 70 deliveries, leaving Dhoni and the travelling supporters with little to celebrate.

Ironic Dhoni Connection With India's Lowest T20I Total

Interestingly, Dhoni also has a connection with the only occasion when India registered a lower T20I total. Team India's lowest score in the format remains the 74 they managed against Australia in Melbourne in 2008 - and Dhoni was the captain of the side on that occasion.

The Jharkhand cricketer came to the crease at No. 5 during the collapse but managed only nine runs off 10 deliveries before being stumped off David Hussey's bowling.

Eighteen years later, Dhoni was present as a spectator when India came within two runs of matching that unwanted record.

The circumstances were different, but the outcome was equally disappointing.

On a day when fans hoped India would give their legendary former captain a memorable birthday present, the Men in Blue instead suffered a historic defeat.

The loss also left India 0-2 behind in the five-match series, with Shreyas Iyer's side now needing to win both remaining games to level the contest.