Preity zinta Dhoni Da Luck

In a departure from the norm, Bollywood actress Preity Zinta was a surprise presence on the pitch today ahead of the start of the ODI in Napier. She accompanied skipper M S Dhoni onto the pitch for the toss. Perhaps she was lucky for the team since Dhoni won the toss and Ms Zinta was seen clapping in delight.

In another episode of the ongoing Bollywood meets Cricket saga, Preity Zinta was a surprise package on the pitch earlier today at Napier for the first ODI. According to the cricket news, the Bollywood actress accompanied the captains on to the pitch and when M S Dhoni won the toss, she was obviously delighted. ‘Preity’ lucky for India, wouldn’t you say; especially considering that India lost both tosses in the two T20 matches that preceded the one day series.

reity already has a close association with international cricket as part owner of the Indian Premier League team Kings XI Punjab and is perhaps looking to cement her cricket connection. According to Preity, "I have been invited by the New Zealand Prime Minister and will be attending the official function hosted for the Indian team on March 5 at Wellington."

Earlier Zinta had met briefly with other Indian players, including Yuvraj Singh, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Irfan Pathan and had wished them luck for the game. "I met Yuvraj, Dhoni and Irfan briefly. Nothing much," she said. Yuvraj being part of the Kings XI Punjab, Zinta would have a vested interest in seeing him perform well.

While she expressed disappointment at the loss suffered by the Indians in the T20 matches, she was hopeful of better results in the ODIs. Preity was also asked questions about the fate of another of the member of the Lady Luck Zinta For Indian Skipper in NZ!Punjab team; that of Brett Lee who is bound by of the Punjab team; that of Brett Lee who is bound by contract to the team. In this connection Preity was non committal as she said, "I have heard he has had a surgery. Let's see how it goes."

Later she was seen enjoying the match, restless when there were dull moments and on her toes when the Indian innings was going well. Seeing the position of the match and the fact that the Indians are on the brink of victory, certainly does seem to show that Preity is indeed pretty lucky for the Indians! Perhaps she was a lucky mascot for the team!