Okay. First let's get the embarrassment out of the way and deal with the facts. Yes, we lost to Sri Lanka in the first ODI today. We lost big. We lost bad. However, it could have been even worse, but our amazing Mahendra Singh Dhoni had other plans. Plans to save India's face from a humiliating defeat. 

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India was facing a pretty nasty situation, when the Lankan bowlers reduced the Indian line up to a scary 29/7! The absence of skipper Virat Kohli was clearly felt as the hosts kept falling like dominoes to the pacers. At one point it certainly looked like our Men In Blue would not even touch 50 and would have to walk back to the pavilion with their tail between their legs. 

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It was right about this moment that Dhoni seemed to have kicked into 'superhero' mode and decided to take matters into his own hands. Entering to bat at No. 6, Dhoni slammed 65 off 87 balls which were peppered with 10 boundaries and two sixes, somehow helping the hosts to resurrect India to 112. Obviously the meagre total was not enough and Sri Lanka skipped comfortably to a win. But it was the pure heart that Dhoni's innings showed, which won everyone's hearts. 

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It was at this point that his army of fans swarmed on Twitter like a proud horde and hit back at the haters and critics who had ever suggested that Dhoni should hang his gloves. Take a look for yourself. Prepare to feel both proud and...a little weirded out.

Ms Dhoni playing against Sri-lankans reminded me of something : #INDvsSL pic.twitter.com/UBDheDtRVe

— Beanology (@followTheGupta) December 10, 2017

When Life Gives You MS, Make It #Dhoni Not Aiyar. ððªð®ð³ #MSDhoni MS Dhoni #INDvSL #INDvsSL pic.twitter.com/3dUgI7z2Lh

— Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadeja) December 10, 2017

Respect #Dhoni #INDvSL #DharamshalaODI pic.twitter.com/4HNgd7hDl5

— Ramesh Bala (@rameshlaus) December 10, 2017

Dhoni haters watching him right now. #INDvSL pic.twitter.com/7PKCnrWMwf

— Pakchikpak Raja Babu (@HaramiParindey) December 10, 2017

Dhoni haters before the match-

"Dhoni should retire & make way for youngsters!"

Right now-

"Thank god Dhoni is there!"#INDvSL

— Virat ð (@ViratsSena) December 10, 2017

Dear Haters,

Next Time Before You Ask MS Dhoni To Resign, Watch This Scorecard And Slap Yourself. ðð®ð³ #Dhoni #MSDhoni #IndvSL #INDvsSL pic.twitter.com/zPMqPDiRog

— Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadeja) December 10, 2017

What Dhoni did today. #IndvSL pic.twitter.com/SrcZhXGANo

— Pakchikpak Raja Babu (@HaramiParindey) December 10, 2017

We bow before you oh great saviour! Please continue to keep giving it back to the haters with your bat...we won't mind even if it is literally sometime! 

via GIPHY