Chennai Super Kings (CSK) kicked off their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 campaign with a commanding four-wicket victory over arch-rivals Mumbai Indians (MI) on March 23 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. However, the triumph has been overshadowed by a brewing controversy as a viral video featuring CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and pacer Khaleel Ahmed has ignited ball-tampering allegations across social media.
The incident, captured during the high-octane clash, has sent the internet into a frenzy with netizens questioning the integrity of the game. In the video, Khaleel is seen retrieving an object from his pocket and exchanging it with Gaikwad, who then tucks it into his own pocket.
This cryptic exchange, occurring before Khaleel bowled, has fueled speculation that the duo tampered with the ball. While some fans cried foul, branding it a deliberate act to alter the ball’s condition, others dismissed it as a misunderstanding, suggesting Khaleel might have simply handed over something else to Ruturaj.
No official complaint has been lodged by MI or the match officials. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to comment on this. The speculation appears driven by fan outrage rather than concrete evidence with some recalling CSK’s two-year ban in 2016-17 over a betting scandal.
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CSK Start IPL 2025 With a Bang
CSK’s performance on the field was clinical. Khaleel struck early, dismissing MI openers Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton, finishing with 3/29, while left-arm wrist-spinner Noor Ahmad dismantled the MI middle order with a stellar 4/18.
MI limped to 155/9, a total CSK chased down in 19.1 overs, thanks to Rachin Ravindra’s unbeaten 65 and Gaikwad’s brisk 53.
CSK fans also got a glimpse of MS Dhoni's batting who came out to bat with his team needing four runs off eight deliveries. He played two dots before Rachin finished off with a six in the final over.
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