MS Dhoni’s mysterious earpiece at India’s 1st ODI leaves fans curious… Here’s what the device actually does

India’s impressive six-wicket victory over England in the first ODI at Edgbaston produced plenty of memorable performances on the field, with Shubman Gill, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar playing key roles in the chase.

However, one of the biggest talking points came away from the action.

Former India captain MS Dhoni, who attended the match alongside his wife Sakshi Dhoni, was repeatedly shown on the stadium’s big screens and television broadcast. While fans were delighted to see the legendary wicketkeeper-batter enjoying the contest from the stands, many noticed a small device fitted in his right ear and immediately began wondering what it was.

What was MS Dhoni wearing?

The device spotted in Dhoni’s ear is known as a radio earwig—a compact wireless earpiece widely used at sporting venues across the United Kingdom.

Rather than being a hearing aid or communication device, the radio earwig allows spectators to listen to live ball-by-ball radio commentary while watching the action unfold in front of them.

The earpiece receives a dedicated local radio transmission that works only within or around the stadium, giving users real-time commentary without relying on mobile internet or television broadcasts.

This unique experience helps fans stay updated with expert analysis, player information, and match developments while still enjoying the atmosphere inside the ground.

Popular across English sporting venues

Radio earwigs have become a familiar sight at iconic cricket venues such as Lord’s, Edgbaston, and several other stadiums across England.

Their use is not limited to cricket either. Fans attending Formula 1, rugby, horse racing, polo, and other major sporting events in the UK also use similar devices to follow live commentary without missing any on-field action.

With battery life extending up to 20 hours, these lightweight earpieces have become a convenient accessory for sports enthusiasts.

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Why are they uncommon in India?

Despite their popularity in England, radio earwigs are rarely seen at cricket stadiums in India.

One of the biggest reasons is the difference in broadcasting habits. In countries such as England, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, radio commentary continues to enjoy a loyal following, even among spectators inside the stadium.

In India, however, the rise of television coverage and digital streaming platforms has largely replaced the tradition of listening to live radio commentary during matches. As a result, stadiums generally do not provide dedicated radio earwig services for spectators.

Dhoni isn’t the only Indian cricketer to use one

Although Dhoni’s earpiece became a viral talking point during the Edgbaston ODI, he is far from the first Indian cricketer to use the device.

During previous tours of England, several Indian stars—including Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, KL Rahul, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Kuldeep Yadav—have also been spotted wearing radio earwigs while watching matches from the sidelines.

Their use highlights a long-standing tradition at English cricket grounds, where listening to live commentary enhances the overall match-day experience.

As India celebrated a winning start to the ODI series, Dhoni’s presence delighted thousands of fans in attendance. But alongside the victory, the former captain’s tiny radio earwig unexpectedly became one of the most discussed moments of the day.