The “El Clásico” of the IPL is understood for its high-octane drama, fierce competitors, and a rivalry that splits the cricketing world down the center. Nevertheless, forward of the 2026 showdown between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Tremendous Kings on the Wankhede Stadium, it wasn’t a blistering cowl drive or a toe-crushing yorker that stole the headlines. As a substitute, it was a easy, silent gesture of conventional respect that reminded followers why cricket is usually referred to as the “gentleman’s recreation.”
Deepak Chahar touches ft of MS Dhoni forward of MI vs CSK recreation
Because the floodlights flickered to life throughout a pre-match apply session, Mumbai Indians’ pacer Deepak Chahar took a break from his drills to cross the imaginary border between the 2 camps. Approaching MS Dhoni, his longtime mentor and former captain, Chahar didn’t go for a contemporary handshake or an informal “high-five.” As a substitute, he bent down to the touch Dhoni’s ft—a standard Indian mark of respect for a trainer or an elder.
The cameras caught the trade in excessive definition, nevertheless it was the uncooked emotion behind the act that resonated. For Chahar, who blossomed right into a world-class swing bowler below Dhoni’s watchful eye at CSK, the change in jersey shade hasn’t altered the bond of a protégé and his “Thala.”
Whereas the gesture was solemn, the response from MSD was classic “Captain Cool.” Identified for his dry wit, Dhoni was noticed laughing as he pulled Chahar right into a heat embrace. Dhoni jokingly referred to as out the cameraman trailing Chahar, teasingly suggesting that they couldn’t have a “actual discuss” with a lens of their faces.
“Tum aya.. sath me digicam leke aaya… bhagao isko,” Dhoni jokingly stated.
Right here’s the video:
Cameraman be like… chalo theek hai 🫠 pic.twitter.com/KqzXsYc9h3
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) April 22, 2026
Additionally READ: IPL 2026: Ravichandran Ashwin explains why Priyansh Arya is ahead of Ayush Mhatre and Vaibhav Suryavanshi
MSD to return for the high-profile match?
Whereas there isn’t any official affirmation from the CSK administration but, all indicators level to Dhoni lastly taking part in his recreation of the season. Notably, for the primary time this season, Dhoni was seen training his wicketkeeping drills on the Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday evening. He stored wickets for about half-hour, wanting sharp and making an attempt fast stumpings. He additionally batted for roughly half-hour within the nets, dealing with quick bowlers like Matt Henry and Jamie Overton. There’s additionally a hypothesis that he might be utilized as an Affect Participant to handle his bodily workload given he’s coming back from a calf pressure.
Additionally READ: 3 potential replacements for injured Ayush Mhatre amid CSK’s struggling campaign in IPL 2026
