Watch: MS Dhoni Shares Heartwarming Hug With Fan Who Touched His Feet After Breaching Security

During Friday's IPL match between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), a Dhoni fan made headlines by invading the pitch to express his admiration for the former skipper. As the game unfolded, the fan breached security and approached Dhoni, affectionately known as Thala by CSK fans. With swift action, he reached Dhoni, touching his feet before being escorted away by security.

AP

The incident occurred amidst a review from GT for an LBW decision in favor of Dhoni. The delivery, a googly from leg-spinner Rashid Khan, eluded Dhoni's bat before striking his pad. Despite GT's review, the ball-tracker upheld the umpire's decision, indicating the ball to miss the stumps.

A video capturing the pitch invasion quickly went viral, sparking debates on the appropriateness of such acts during matches. While some view it as a display of extreme devotion enhancing the match's entertainment, others express concern over player security and match disruption.

The Fan touched the feet & then hugged Dhoni - then Mahi saying something to him (maybe to avoid entering the pitch) later trying to protect the fan from the guard. ? pic.twitter.com/OYEGyLa9r4

¡ª Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 11, 2024

Commenting on the incident, a user emphasized Dhoni's unparalleled popularity, stating, "There is no match in love for a cricketer when it comes to the comparison between Mahi and all the Cricketers in the world of all time. He is in a different place now."

Praising Dhoni's handling of the situation, another user remarked, "His actions limited disruption to the game. He led the intruder away from the pitch, in a way pinned the guy to himself which helped officials quickly wrest back control and resume the game. Also gave fanboy moments to the intruder. All go back happy-happy."

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However, concerns were raised regarding player safety and security protocols. A spectator voiced apprehension, stating, "I hope someday no one stabs our beloved cricketers. Security has become a joke. To all security personnel, please pay attention to the crowd and not to the match."

AP

Similarly, questions were raised about the effectiveness of ground staff in preventing pitch invasions. An observer queried, "Never understood why ground staff only starts to run when someone has probably run into the field by at least 30-40 yards."

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In the match, Gujarat Titans secured victory over CSK by 35 runs. Despite Dhoni's unbeaten 26 off 11 balls, featuring a four and three sixes, CSK fell short in their chase of GT's imposing target of 232 runs, set by centuries from captain Shubman Gill (104) and Sai Sudharsan (103).

With this win, GT kept their slim playoff hopes alive, while CSK faced a setback in their campaign.

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