As the IPL 2025 (Indian Premier League) progresses, the teams’ competition intensifies, and the giant T20 cricket carnival is well underway. Some games have so far stood out due to their numerous record-breaking performances. There is another area, though, where some intriguing but odd things have happened. However, the one we are discussing is less about on-field action and more on being a lookalike, also known as a doppelgänger.
One of the officiating umpires from the latest IPL match between the Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Jaipur went viral on social media when fans noticed an uncanny resemblance to Dolly Chaiwala, a well-known social media influencer. It’s noteworthy that Sai Darshan Kumar is the umpire who most resembles Dolly.
The remarkable likeness between umpire Kumar and Dolly Chaiwala was recently shared on social media by user @Pavilionpulse, and it quickly attracted the attention of other cricket enthusiasts. Rather of selling tea and influencing on social media, fans made fun of Dolly’s abrupt appearance as an umpire on the pitch.
Check out how fans reacted to Dolly Chai Wala’s lookalike umpire here:
From when did Dolly Chaiwala became an Umpire ?
#PBKSvsKKR #KKRvsPBKS #PBKSvKKR #KKRvPBKS
— Anwesha Nath (@evolved_sapien) April 15, 2025
Who is Umpire Sai Darshan Kumar?
For those unaware, umpire Sai Darshan Kumar, who became the centre of attraction amid cricketing duties and thrilling IPL action, hails from Kerala. The 43-year-old has officiated in more than 63 T20 matches. Moreover, he also has experience umpiring in 45 List A matches and 27 First-Class games. His journey as an umpire has been quite inspiring. Kumar began by umpiring plastic ball games during his childhood, as shared by one of his childhood friends, and then rose through the ranks to officiate in the grand IPL matches. This new lookalike aspect has surely added another charm to his professional journey in the field.
Who is Dolly Chaiwala?
Dolly Chaiwala, who belongs to Nagpur, Maharashtra, became popular as a social media influencer after one of the richest men in the world, Bill Gates, was spotted getting served by Dolly at his tea stall. As a result, he became immensely popular without realizing the stature of Gates. Notably, his real name is Sunil Patil, and he is known for his unique tea-making style. He runs his shop named ‘Dolly Ki Tapri’ where locals and visitors from outside often visit for an engaging tea experience.
What’s more fascinating is the fact that Dolly has received coveted awards like the Dadasaheb Phalke Icon Award for his entrepreneurial spirit by proving that hard work and creativity can lead a person from humble beginnings to extraordinary success in life.
India
