Chennai, March 24, 2025 – A heartwarming moment from the IPL 2025 opener between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) has finally been decoded, putting an end to widespread curiosity. After CSK’s four-wicket win at Chepauk on Sunday, MS Dhoni was seen chatting with MI debutant Vignesh Puthur, sparking buzz across social media. Now, the suspense is over: Dhoni asked the 24-year-old spinner his age and offered words of encouragement.
The exchange followed Puthur’s standout debut, where he took 3/32, dismissing CSK’s Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, and Deepak Hooda. Post-match, as players shook hands, Dhoni approached Puthur, patted his back, and asked, “How old are you?” He then advised, “Keep doing what brought you here,” according to Puthur’s friend Sreerag, who spoke to The Indian Express. The gesture left Puthur beaming, a memory etched for the Kerala youngster bought by MI for Rs 30 lakh.
Puthur’s father, an autorickshaw driver from Malappuram, fielded the same question from locals all day. “Everyone wanted to know what Dhoni said,” Sreerag told Hindustan Times. The clip, amplified by commentator Ravi Shastri’s remark—“A pat on the shoulder he won’t forget”—went viral, showcasing Dhoni’s knack for inspiring talent.
The real takeaway? Amid IPL’s glitz, this interaction highlights cricket’s human side—mentorship crossing team lines. Yet, it also raises a quiet concern: with stars like Dhoni nearing their twilight, who’ll carry this torch for the next generation?
