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A heartwarming scene unfolded at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Tuesday evening, as 14-year-old Rajasthan Royals (RR) opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi touched the feet of legendary Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni following RR’s emphatic six-wicket win in their final IPL 2025 league match.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi leads Rajasthan Royals’ commanding chase
Chasing a formidable target of 188, Rajasthan Royals rode on Suryavanshi’s mature 57 off 33 balls – his second fifty-plus score of the season – to overhaul CSK’s total with 17 balls to spare. Opening alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, who blazed 36 off 19, Suryavanshi anchored the innings with poise beyond his years. Captain Sanju Samson contributed a steady 41, and Dhruv Jurel’s explosive unbeaten 31 off just 12 balls sealed the chase in style.
Earlier, CSK’s innings was built around brisk knocks from Ayush Mhatre (43) and Dewald Brevis (42), but Rajasthan’s bowling unit, led by Akash Madhwal (3/29) and Yudhvir Singh Charak (3/47), restricted the Super Kings to 187/8. The defeat marked a low point for CSK, who are now likely to finish at the bottom of the IPL table for the first time in their storied history.
Suryavanshi touches Dhoni’s feet
While the match itself had playoff implications and showcased the emergence of a new star, it was the post-match gesture that captured the imagination of fans and the cricketing fraternity alike. As players lined up for the customary handshakes, Suryavanshi, instead of simply shaking hands with Dhoni, bent down and respectfully touched the CSK legend’s feet. Dhoni responded with a gentle smile, placing his hand on the youngster’s head- a blessing that resonated deeply with viewers.
The moment, caught on camera, quickly went viral across social media, with fans and former players praising Suryavanshi’s humility and respect for the cricketing icon.
Here’s the video:
For many, it was a reminder of Dhoni’s enduring influence on the next generation, even as his own IPL career nears its twilight.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi :
" MS Dhoni isn't just my idol but an idol for the entire country "🙏❤️@MSDhoni #MSDhoni #WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/1GbHEVwJDf
— DHONI Trends™ (@TrendsDhoni) May 21, 2025
Respect your legends 💗🙏 pic.twitter.com/slRaY1KB1T
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) May 20, 2025
Vaibhav Suryavanshi: A rising star with Character
Suryavanshi’s performances this season have already made headlines—he recently became the youngest ever centurion in men’s T20 cricket, smashing a record-breaking 101 off 38 balls against Gujarat Titans (GT). His consistency and composure at the top of the order have been rare bright spots in an otherwise challenging season for Rajasthan Royals, who ended their campaign with four wins from 14 matches.
But it is his humility and reverence for the game’s greats that have truly won hearts. Born in Samastipur, Bihar – just a few hours from Dhoni’s hometown Ranchi – Suryavanshi grew up idolizing the CSK captain. His gesture on Tuesday was not just a mark of respect, but a symbolic passing of the torch from one generation to the next.
Also WATCH: Dewald Brevis hits an unbelievable no-look six against Kwena Maphaka during CSK vs RR clash in IPL 2025
