A grand welcome for MS Dhoni in Kerala as fans mount his 35 foot cut-out

MS Dhoni may be under the scanner for his diminishing abilities with the bat, but he nevertheless remains a major influence in Indian cricket. While he is one of the most scrutinized players in the world, he is certainly the most followed cricketer as well. His fans across the country have been waiting eagerly to catch a glimpse of the star cricketer in the ongoing ODI series against the Windies.

The World Cup-winning captain received a grand welcome in Kerala as the Indian keeper arrived in the state for the fifth and final ODI against Jason Holder’s side. This is the last time MS Dhoni will be in action in national colours at home this year. Many were disappointed after the veteran stumper was dropped from India’s T20I squad that will take on the Windies and Australia in November.

Selectors have however maintained that he’s only been rested for the next 6 T20Is, but he’s likely to be back for the ODIs against the Australians in January next year. India will also have Dhoni taking his position behind the stumps in next year’s World Cup in England and Wales.

Dhoni fans show their appreciation in style

Thiruvananthapuram had already greeted the Indian Cricket Team at the airport with a warm welcome, and MS, in particular, was put on a pedestal. The capital city of Kerala has made special arrangements to acknowledge their favourite cricketer. Members of the All Kerala Dhoni Fans Association have raised a 35-feet long cut out of MS Dhoni at the Greenfield Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram which is all set to host the fifth ODI.

The official Twitter handle of the Chennai Super Kings shared a video of the cutout being mounted. Soon after it was on display, photographs of the installation went viral on social media.

Here is the video

#Thala's Vishwaroopam getting ready at Trivandrum! #WhistlePodu #INDvWI 🦁💛 #Yellove from @AKDFAOfficial! pic.twitter.com/AL8hxZ6DWz

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) October 31, 2018

Team India currently lead the 5-match ODI series 2-1 and will look to seal yet another series victory. India had surprisingly lost the 3rd ODI at Pune but made amends in Mumbai, where Rohit Sharma smashed a fabulous 162 to propel India to a mammoth 377 in the first innings.

He was also supported by India’s new no.4 Ambati Rayudu who brought up a brilliant hundred himself. India romped the Windies by 224 runs, thus registering their third-biggest ODI victory.

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