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In an emotional moment during the third match of IPL 2025, MS Dhoni captured the hearts of cricket fans with a heartfelt gesture towards Mumbai Indians (MI) debutant Vignesh Puthur. The match, held at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on March 23, saw Puthur make an impressive entry into the IPL, taking three crucial wickets against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
Vignesh Puthur shines for MI as an impact player
Puthur, a 24-year-old left-arm wrist spinner from Kerala, was introduced as an Impact Substitute in a high-stakes match against CSK. Despite MI’s eventual loss by four wickets, Puthur’s performance stood out. He claimed the wickets of CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube and Deepak Hooda, finishing with figures of 3/32 in his four overs.
MS Dhoni’s heartfelt gesture for Puthur
After the match concluded, Dhoni took the time to approach Puthur during the customary post-match handshake. In a moment that quickly went viral, Dhoni patted Puthur on the shoulder and engaged him in conversation, expressing admiration for his bowling skills. This simple yet profound gesture left Puthur starstruck and filled with joy. Commentator Ravi Shastri remarked on the significance of Dhoni’s encouragement, stating, “I don’t think he will forget it for a long time.”
The interaction between Dhoni and Puthur highlights the spirit of camaraderie that the IPL fosters among players. For Puthur, who has previously played in local leagues but had not yet debuted at the senior level, this moment was a dream come true. Born into modest circumstances—his father is an auto-rickshaw driver and his mother a homemaker—Puthur’s journey to professional cricket has been marked by perseverance and dedication.
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Dhoni’s gesture resonated with fans and players alike, showcasing his role not just as a seasoned cricketer but also as a mentor to young talents. The video of their interaction circulated widely on social media platforms, further endearing Dhoni to cricket lovers around the world.
Here’s the video:
The men in 💛 take home the honours! 💪
A classic clash inꦚ Chennai ends in the favour of ✨
Scorecard ▶ | |
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL)
CSK’s victory was secured thanks to Rachin Ravindra’s composed innings of 65 runs off 45 balls. The match showcased thrilling moments and intense competition between two of IPL’s most celebrated franchises. With CSK chasing down MI’s total with five balls to spare, they maintained their dominance over MI in opening matches—a str☂eak that now extends over 13 years.