Urvil Patel pays tribute to MS Dhoni in Chepauk, Cummins helicopters outside the country

In what could be MS Dhoni’s last home appearance for Chennai Super Kings, young batsman Urvil Patel paid a token tribute with a signature ‘helicopter shot’ during the IPL 2026 clash with Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday, May 17. That moment came in CSK’s last home match of the 2026 season as fans left an emotional absence due to Dhoni’s injury in the match. stadium.

CSK vs SRH: Update| Scorecard

The honor came in a high-pressure situation against SRH, where CSK was already struggling to keep hope of the playoffs in a difficult season. Urvil Patel came on after Sanju Samson’s first wicket and immediately showed intent.

Facing Pat Cummins, he hit a pull shot for a six off his second delivery and followed it up with a stunning quick low full toss of the third ball he faced, sending the ball over the back square in classic Dhoni style, the chopper shot to great effect.

However, his promising stint was short-lived as he was dismissed by Sakib Hssain soon after, ending a short but memorable contribution. He registered just 13 runs off 8 balls as CSK looked in trouble in a must-win match to keep their playoff hopes alive.

SYMBOLIC TRIBUTE TO THALE

MS Dhoni was is not part of the playing XI after being ruled ineligible, despite traveling with the troop. His absence marked another emotional moment for the fans who turned up in large numbers hoping to see their ‘Thala’ for the last time in Chepauk.

“The good news is he is still here. But he is not fit enough to play this match. Hopefully we will win this match and you never know, maybe in the last match,” captain Ruturaj Gaikwad said at the toss.

The moment, though brief, captured the emotional atmosphere in Chepauk, where Dhoni’s absence loomed large throughout the season f.following the calf injury he suffered before the start of IPL 2026. Despite traveling with the team for several matches, the former captain is yet to feature this season, fueling speculation that this could be his last campaign in Chennai colours.

In a season already full of uncertainty and transition for CSK, the tribute served as a reminder of Dhoni’s lasting influence on the franchise and the generation of players coming through.

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Published on:

18 May 2026 20:30 IST