WATCH: Ranchi crowd goes berserk as MS Dhoni steps in to bat arguably for the last time in his den

It was not a happy homecoming for MS Dhoni as he ended up on the losing side against Australia in the third ODI in Ranchi on Friday. The former Indian skipper, who was probably playing for the last time in the national colors in his own backyard, made 26 with the bat as India suffered their first defeat in the five-match series.

While Australia's brilliant batting display and Kohli's century were surely the talking point, the highlight of the match was when Dhoni came in to bat.

The Ranchi crowd, realizing that it could very well be the final time Mahi plays in his den, went berserk and couldn't stop chanting his name as he made his way to the crease.

The BCCI shared a video in this regard which would give a clearer picture of how Dhoni fans showered their love at their idol.

Earlier during the match, Dhoni had showed how age is number when he combined with Ravindra Jadeja in brilliant fashion to dismiss Glenn Maxwell. 

The Aussies were looking on song as they were 258 for 2 after 41.5 overs, with Glenn Maxwell looking in sublime touch. But a sensational fielding by Jadeja and quick thinking by Dhoni rocked the Aussie batsman.

Shaun Marsh hit Kuldeep Yadav's ball on the off-side and set off for a single. Jadeja, standing at the short cover, brilliantly managed to stop the ball from going past him and instantly threw a bullet throw to the wicketkeeper.

Maxwell was far away from the crease when the ball reached Dhoni at the striker's end. But Mahi, who was standing in front of the stumps, realized that the Australian batsman could very well make the crease if he collects and then removes the bails. Hence, Dhoni dediced to cheekily flick the ball, and it worked charms as Maxwell was caught short.

WATCH: Ravindra Jadeja-MS Dhoni Combine To Dismiss Glen Maxwell In The Third ODI

Batting first, the visitors ended up with a formidable 313 for 5 in their 50 overs, much thanks to a brilliant century by Usman Khawaja and 93 by skipper Aaron Finch. 

In reply, India kept losing wickets at regular intervals, and despite an outrageous century by skipper Virat Kohli, the hosts fell short by 32 runs.

The series is now 2-1 in favor of India with two matches to go.