A packed Brabourne stadium reverberated with chants of "Dhoni! Dhoni!" as the skipper led team India for one last time.
Dhoni bludgeoned his way to an unbeaten 68. He was leading the India A side in the first of two warm—up matches to be played by the tourists here.
An overenthusiastic fan broke free from the packed crowd, ran on to the field to fall at Dhoni’s feet, and when the skipper told him not to step on the pitch, he obliged by jumping over.
He was escorted out of the playing area by the police and then taken out of the stadium. The overwhelmed man stumbled his way out, constantly turning back to catch a glimpse of his hero.
“No further action was taken,” Cricket Club of India sources said.
Since the afternoon, queues were seen at the gates of CCI as a palpable excitement was felt amongst the crowd. Initially, the East Stand was filled to its capacity, then the crowd thronged the North Stand at the Churchgate station end.
As the day progressed, the West stand too was filled to capacity. Notably, the entry to the crowd was free for this particular match.
Dhoni, who sprang a surprise by quitting as the limited overs skipper, was seen playing football with his teammates at the same venue last evening. He also practised in the nets under lights.
Whoever the batsman at the crease, the crowd was cheering only for Dhoni and was keen to have the glimpse of their favourite leader for the one last time.
