During a recent IPL 2024 encounter between the Gujarat Titans (GT) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), a moment caught the attention of fans all over the world. Matheesha Pathirana, a pacer from Sri Lanka, seemed to touch the feet of cricket icon MS Dhoni prior to starting a bowling attack. But was this action really a show of respect for Dhoni, or was there more going on here?
Appreciation for Pathirana’s seeming gesture of respect for Dhoni erupted on social media. Videos of the incident quickly went viral, and viewers praised the bowler from Sri Lanka for his humility and admiration for the great cricket player. But when you look more closely, you may see that Pathirana’s acts could have a different meaning.
It is a common misconception that Matheesha Pathirana was intentionally touching Dhoni’s feet as a show of respect.
Also read: Harbhajan Singh hits out at RCB’s bowling attack after the team’s second defeat, saying, “They don’t have good bowlers in IPL 2024.”
As an alternative, it seems that Matheesha Pathirana was merely picking up his bowling marker, which happened to be close to Dhoni’s feet. It is false to say that the bowler was touching Dhoni’s feet, notwithstanding the impression or illusion created by some angles.
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To people who thought Pathirana was taking blessings from Thala 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/BKfQdPVx03
— 🎰 (@StanMSD) March 29, 2024
The episode attracted attention because it seemed to be a good example of sportsmanship, but it also served as a warning not to draw hasty judgements based on superficial views.
CSK has a good position at the top of the table.
The match began with CSK’s convincing win, which demonstrated their might on the pitch thanks to outstanding performances from players like Shivam Dube and Ruturaj Gaikwad. With two strong victories over Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans in their two games thus far, CSK is currently atop the points table and appears poised for another prosperous campaign.
At the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on March 31, CSK will play their pivotal third game of the season versus the Delhi Capitals. In the forthcoming game, they will face the Delhi Capitals, who have lost their last two games against the Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings.