MS Dhoni attracts 1.5 crore viewers on JioCinema while batting during IPL 2023 opener

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MS Dhoni was the hot favourite of the crowd yet again during the opening match of the IPL 2023 between his Chennai Super Kings and defending champions Gujarat Giants. The Indian cricket icon attracted 1.5 crore viewership on the Jio Cinema app and website during his cameo of an innings.

MS Dhoni, who returned to competitive cricket for the first time since IPL 2022, rolled back years with his batting as the finisher shot a six and a four during his 7-ball 14 knock. He shot Joshua Little for a six and a four in the final over as he was striking at a rate of 200 in the death overs.

Dhoni was a star attraction among the Ahmedabad crowd at the 1 lakh-plus capacity Narendra Modi Stadium too despite the presence of their local boy and captain Hardik Pandya as chants of 'Dhoni!' were heard during the opening ceremony, when both the captains were invited at the podium for a quick chat.

MS Dhoni, who was uncertain to play the match after being seen hopping during a training session on Thursday, appeared in time for the toss and kept the wicket for the match too. The skipper was uncertain to keep as well with Devon Conway as another keeping option for the game.

Dhoni was also involved in a dismissal during Gujarat Titans' chase as he completed the caught behind of Sai Sudharshan, who came in as an impact player, after the batter scored 17-ball 22.

At the time of writing, the match was evenly balanced with Gujarat Titans needing 30 runs to win from the last three overs.