RR vs CSK match: In a touching moment that encapsulated the deep admiration many young cricketers have for MS Dhoni, 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi of Rajasthan Royals touched the legendary cricketer’s feet after their match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Tuesday.
As the two teams lined up for post-match handshakes, Suryavanshi bent down, placing one hand on Dhoni’s feet while shaking the CSK icon’s hand with the other. Dhoni, taken slightly aback, responded with a sheepish smile.
Young cricketers’ deep admiration for Dhoni
The symbolic gesture resonated with fans and cricket lovers across the country. Suryavanshi, born in 2012 — two years after Dhoni lifted his first IPL trophy — hails from Samastipur, Bihar, not far from Dhoni’s own hometown of Ranchi. At the time of Dhoni’s rise, both towns belonged to the same state, strengthening the cultural and emotional connection.
For young players like Suryavanshi, Dhoni is more than just a sporting idol — he’s a father figure, a hero who represents the dreams and aspirations of an entire generation of cricketers from small-town India.
VAIBHAV SURYAVANSHI TOUCHING MS DHONI’S FEET. 🥹
– A beautiful moment in the IPL. ❤️pic.twitter.com/Yrl5sbW7tR
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 20, 2025
Following role models
The moment evoked memories of a similar gesture by Yashasvi Jaiswal, now a key player in India’s Test team and Suryavanshi’s senior at Rajasthan Royals. Jaiswal had also expressed his deep admiration for Dhoni during his early IPL days. For many young talents in Indian cricket, touching Dhoni’s feet is not just a cultural gesture, but a heartfelt tribute to a man who has inspired millions through his humility, composure, and unmatched legacy.