The legendary India National Cricket Team and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni won hearts with a lovely gesture for the 24-year-old Mumbai Indians (MI) spinner Vignesh Puthur on Sunday, March 23.
The heartwarming interaction between MS Dhoni and Vignesh Puthur happened during the third match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai.
Also Read: IPL Points Table 2025: Orange Cap, Purple Cap List After SRH vs RR match 2, CSK vs MI match 3
MS Dhoni praises Vignesh Puthur for heroics in CSK vs MI clash
Mumbai Indians handed a debut cap to spinner Vignesh Puthur in the high-octane match against Chennai Super Kings, and the youngster impressed everyone on his IPL debut as he took the wickets of Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, and Deepak Hooda, finishing with figures of 3/32 in his four overs.
The Kerala spinner was the impact player for MI as he replaced Rohit Sharma and bowled brilliant lines and lengths. He became a sensation overnight with his performance as the youngster, despite not playing at the senior level, stunned the CSK batter.
Puthur, who is the son of an autorickshaw driver and a homemaker, managed to impress the legendary skipper MS Dhoni as well, who, after the match, had a small chat with the MI debutant.
During the customary handshake ceremony after CSK’s win over MI, as MS Dhoni got close to Vignesh Puthur, he tapped on the youngster’s shoulder. Dhoni seemingly asked him his age and praised him for his bowling. Also, the youngster was in total awe looking at the aura Dhoni holds.
Watch: MS Dhoni’s heartfelt gesture for Vignesh Puthur
The men in 💛 take home the honours! 💪
A classic clash in Chennai ends in the favour of #CSK ✨
Scorecard ▶ https://t.co/QlMj4G7kV0#TATAIPL | #CSKvMI | @ChennaiIPL pic.twitter.com/ZGPkkmsRHe
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 23, 2025
Notably, MS Dhoni came out to bat in the middle in the 19th over of the innings when all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja got out for 17. Dhoni played two balls and didn’t score any runs, but CSK easily cruised past the finish line against Mumbai Indians.
Chepauk wicket, don’t think we know what to expect – Rachin Ravindra
Speaking after the victory of the Chennai Super Kings, Rachin Ravindra said that the Mumbai Indians made the chase hard for them, but credited Ruturaj Gaikwad for batting brilliantly. He stated:
“Yeah, certainly, Mumbai made it difficult by bowling good lengths. I felt little pressure with the strike rate at times, but we knew we would get across the line with the firepower to come.
“Chepauk wicket, don’t think we know what to expect. Ruturaj played beautifully and struck at 200 without much trying. It was a wonderful innings.”
Rachin Ravindra also talked about getting hit on his head while fielding in Pakistan and said:
“(On getting hit on the head in the ODI while fielding) I had a great support from everyone around. It was a freak accident. Touchwood it doesn’t happen again. The support staff was great.
“It was holding a fraction. Not much of turn. The lengths they bowled made us difficult to score. I haven’t played much here. Will ask the senior guys later on.”
Also Read: Watch: Deepak Chahar sledges MS Dhoni in CSK vs MI clash, gets beaten with bat
