Claims suggesting that Chennai Super Kings star Matheesha Pathirana touched former captain MS Dhoni’s feet during the Indian Premier League (IPL) match against Gujarat Titans have gone viral on social media. While initial suggestions appeared to be true, another video of the incident has surfaced, highlighting what exactly happened. A side angle of the entire delivery confirmed that the Sri Lankan pacer did not touch Dhoni’s feet but instead bent down to pick up the bowling marker placed not too far from Thala’s feet.
To people who thought that Pathirana received the blessings of Thala pic.twitter.com/BKfQdPVx03
— (@StanMSD) March 29, 2024
As for the match, the Chepauk fortress remained untouched as the Chennai Super Kings registered a comprehensive 63-run win over the Gujarat Titans. After flying high in the first inning with the bat, Deepak Chahar provided the ideal start by picking up two wickets in the powerplay, dismissing Wriddhiman Saha (21) and skipper Shubman Gill (8).
GT never threatened to chase the target in the last six overs as CSK inflicted GT’s biggest defeat in terms of runs.
Earlier in the innings, batting, CSK got off to a flying start despite losing Rachin Ravindra’s wicket in the final of the powerplay. The young New Zealand opener once again spread his wings in the powerplay, amassing 46 off just 20 deliveries.
He took on the responsibility of scoring runs while skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad provided ideal support at the other end. Rachin’s fiery knock set up the third consecutive opening partnership of over 50 for CSK against GT.
Rachin’s transition from bat rotation to effortlessly picking up boundaries was a sight to behold as he hit six fours and three maximums. Rashid Khan put an end to Rachin’s attack but the left-handed batsman’s efforts helped CSK to 69/1.
Ajinkya Rahane walked back before he could adjust to the surface. Shivam Dube came and wasted no time in getting down to business as he sent the ball into the stands on two consecutive deliveries. Gaikwad (46), who took a cautious approach, was picked out by Spencer Johnson before he could complete his 50.
Dube continued his attack at one end while Daryl Mitchell took his time getting his innings going. The left-handed batsman picked up Mohit Sharma’s back-of-the-hand delivery and smoked it straight into the stands. He took a double in the last ball of his over and lifted his bat for 50 in 22 deliveries.
In the final over, he tried to catch Mohit Sharma’s undercooked yorker but failed to get the height, with David Miller taking the catch comfortably. CSK ended the innings with a score of 206/6.
With ANI inputs
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