MS Dhoni draws Edgbaston roar watching India vs England first ODI
Synopsis
MS Dhoni's appearance in the Edgbaston stands on 14 July turned the first India-England ODI into a two-venue spectacle — one on the pitch, one in the crowd. With Dinesh Karthik by his side and Kriti Sanon adding Bollywood glamour, Dhoni reminded everyone that his star power needs no jersey. On the field, Axar Patel's career-best 4-62 and Bumrah's first ODI in 968 days gave fans plenty more to talk about.
Key Takeaways
MS Dhoni , 45 , watched the first India vs England ODI at Edgbaston on 14 July with wife Sakshi and daughter Ziva , drawing loud cheers from the crowd.
Dhoni also attended the third T20I at Trent Bridge , where he celebrated his 45th birthday , and has followed India's full white-ball tour.
His reunion with former teammate Dinesh Karthik in the stands went viral on social media.
Actress Kriti Sanon was also spotted at Edgbaston, adding to the star-studded atmosphere.
Axar Patel took a career-best 4 for 62 as England were bowled out for 258 in 47.5 overs ; Joe Root was unbeaten on 76 .
Jasprit Bumrah made his ODI comeback after 968 days ; Root and Liam Dawson shared a 121-run seventh-wicket stand to rescue England.
Former India captain MS Dhoni made a memorable appearance at Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham on Tuesday, 14 July, drawing thunderous cheers from the crowd as he watched the opening ODI between India and England from the stands. The 45-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, accompanied by wife Sakshi and daughter Ziva, became the centre of attention even without stepping onto the field.
Dhoni Steals the Show Off the Field
Stadium cameras picked up Dhoni during England's innings, triggering a wave of loud cheers that swept through Edgbaston — a reminder of his enduring hold on cricket fans. This was not a one-off moment; Dhoni had also attended the third T20I at Trent Bridge just days earlier, where he celebrated his 45th birthday, and has been closely following India's white-ball tour of England throughout.
Notably, Dhoni also caught up with former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik during the match. The reunion of the two former teammates quickly went viral, with fans across social media sharing clips of their interaction in the stands.
Bollywood Adds Star Power to Birmingham
Actress Kriti Sanon also featured among the high-profile faces at Edgbaston. Her presence drew additional camera attention, particularly given her reported association with London-based businessman Kabir Bahia. The combination of cricketing legend and Bollywood glamour gave the first ODI a distinctly star-studded backdrop.
On the Field: England Post 258 After Dramatic Collapse
On the pitch, all-rounder Axar Patel delivered a career-best 4 for 62, anchoring India's bowling effort as England were bowled out for 258 in 47.5 overs. Joe Root, unbeaten on 76, was left stranded at the other end as the tail fell away.
England's innings had a tale of two halves. Openers Ben Duckett (43 off 45 balls) and Jacob Bethell (14 off 31) put on 61 runs for the first wicket, negotiating Jasprit Bumrah's opening spell — his first ODI appearance in 968 days. However, a dramatic middle-order collapse threatened to derail England's innings before Joe Root and Liam Dawson rescued the hosts with a 121-run seventh-wicket partnership, steadying the total to a competitive level.
Bumrah's Return and What's Next
The match also marked a significant milestone: Bumrah's return to ODI cricket after nearly 968 days away from the format. His comeback adds considerable intrigue to the remainder of the series. With England posting 258, India's batting unit will be tested as the opening ODI at Edgbaston heads toward a decisive conclusion.
Point of View
Even years after his retirement. The crowd reaction — louder for a spectator than for several players on the field — reflects an unresolved public attachment that the BCCI and broadcasters quietly capitalise on. Meanwhile, the match itself surfaced two genuinely important storylines: Axar Patel's growing authority as a white-ball wicket-taker and Bumrah's ODI fitness, both of which matter far more for India's 2027 World Cup planning than any nostalgia tour. The Dhoni optics, however entertaining, risk overshadowing the on-field narrative that deserves more attention.
NationPress
15 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was MS Dhoni at Edgbaston for the India vs England ODI?
MS Dhoni was watching the first ODI between India and England at Edgbaston as a spectator on 14 July, accompanied by his wife Sakshi and daughter Ziva. He has been following India's white-ball tour of England and had also attended the third T20I at Trent Bridge, where he celebrated his 45th birthday.
What was Axar Patel's performance in the first India vs England ODI?
Axar Patel took a career-best 4 for 62 in the first ODI at Edgbaston on 14 July, helping bowl England out for 258 in 47.5 overs. Joe Root remained unbeaten on 76 but ran out of partners.
How many days had Jasprit Bumrah been away from ODI cricket?
Jasprit Bumrah's appearance in the first ODI at Edgbaston on 14 July marked his return to the format after 968 days. His comeback was one of the key storylines of the match alongside Dhoni's presence in the stands.
How did England reach 258 in the first ODI against India?
England recovered from a dramatic middle-order collapse through a 121-run seventh-wicket partnership between Joe Root and Liam Dawson. Openers Ben Duckett (43 off 45) and Jacob Bethell (14 off 31) had given England a 61-run opening stand before the collapse set in.
Who else was spotted at Edgbaston during the India-England first ODI?
Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon was seen watching the match at Edgbaston, attracting significant camera attention. Former India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik also met Dhoni in the stands, and their reunion quickly went viral on social media.
