Claims suggesting Chennai Super Kings star Matheesha Pathirana touched former captain MS Dhoni's feet during the Indian Premier League (IPL) match against Gujarat Titans went viral on social media. While initial suggestions did look to be true, another video has surfaced from the incident, highlighting what exactly had happened. A side angle to the entire episode confirmed that the Sri Lankan pacer didn't touch Dhoni's feet but instead bent down to pick up the bowling marker which was placed not too far from Thala's feet.
As for the match, the fortress at Chepauk stood 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 down the target in the final six overs, as CSK inflicted GT's biggest defeat in terms of runs.
Earlier in the innings, put to bat, CSK got off to a flying start, despite losing Rachin Ravindra's wicket in the final over of the powerplay. The young New Zealand opener once again spread his wings in the powerplay and amassed 46 off just 20 deliveries.
He took the onus of scoring runs, while skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad provided the ideal support on the other end. Rachin's fiery knock brought up the third successive 50-plus opening partnership for CSK against GT.
Rachin's transition from strike rotation to effortlessly picking up boundaries was a sight to behold as he struck six fours and three maximums. Rashid Khan brought an end to Rachin's onslaught but the left-handed batter's effort helped CSK amass 69/1.
Ajinkya Rahane walked back before he could adjust to the surface. Shivam Dube came and wasted no time getting going as he sent the ball sailing into the stand on two consecutive deliveries. Gaikwad (46), who used a cautious approach, got nicked by Spencer Johnson before he could complete his 50.
Dube continued his onslaught on one end while Daryl Mitchell took his time to get his innings going. The left-handed batter picked up Mohit Sharma's back-of-the-hand delivery and smoked it straight into the stands. He picked up a double in the final ball of his over to raise his bat for 50 in 22 deliveries.
In the final over, he tried to pick Mohit Sharma's undercooked yorker but failed to get the elevation, with David Miller taking the catch comfortably. CSK ended the innings with a score of 206/6.
With ANI inputs