Dhoni’s ‘ad break’ at Eden Gardens

Kolkata: In a surprise visit, former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni dropped in at the Eden Gardens Stadium and took a good look at the pitch laid for the first India vs Sri Lanka Test.

Dhoni was in the city for a commercial shoot with another former skipper Kapil Dev. In the morning session, he was seen talking to curator Sujan Mukherrjee, checking the EdenGardens strip that will host Virat Kohli and Co in their first Test against Sri Lanka from November 16-20.

"Dhoni really appreciated the pitch preparation and wished us for the Test match," Mukherjee later said. Dhoni and Kapil spent the whole day bowling and batting as per the shooting requirements and were joined by a host of kids.

First, it was Kapil who was seen bowling to Dhoni and as the film rolled, it was role reversal with the Indian legendary wicketkeeper rolling his arms to the 1983 World Cup winning captain in the ad sequence of 33 seconds, directed by noted Bengali producer-director Arindam Sil.

Sil further said he made them slog under the scorching sun but they were very humble and patient. "Kapil said he would get tired to bowl but once he went to his bowling marks he went on and on and bowled numerous deliveries. He also batted and it felt the Kapil Dev of old is back." Dhoni also interacted with a dozen kids. The director termed Dhoni as a natural actor.