MS Dhoni Clicked Selfies With IPL Fans? Thala's Lookalike Becomes a 'Hit' During CSK vs RCB

As the sun dipped below the horizon at MA Chidambaram Stadium, casting a golden glow over the IPL 2024 opener between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the spotlight was firmly on one man: MS Dhoni. The former CSK captain, who had sent shockwaves through the cricketing world by passing on the captain’s baton to Ruturaj Gaikwad just a day prior, had Thala fans on tenterhooks, eagerly anticipating a glimpse of their beloved icon. And did he disappoint? Not in the least. His doppelganger, clad in the iconic yellow ‘7’ jersey, became the centre of attention, graciously posing for selfies with fans.

The video featuring the MSD lookalike, Rishabh Malakar, quickly went viral, drawing throngs of admirers seeking a snapshot with him. In an interview with the Indian Express, the software engineer from Indore revealed how his jaw ached from smiling for countless selfies, sweat glistening on his forehead, his yellow jersey radiating in the spotlight. The reason for his sudden fame was evident: his striking resemblance to MS Dhoni, complete with the signature long locks.

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As the video of Malakar circulated widely, spectators couldn’t help but do a double-take, mistaking him for Dhoni himself from certain angles.

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“For a second I thought it’s MS,” exclaimed one fan. “Won’t be a surprise if dhoni sends him as his replacement,” joked another. A third quipped, “Dhoni from meesho.”

Amidst the buzz, camera lenses eagerly sought out glimpses of the real Thala in the dressing room, capturing the anticipation of the crowd as they awaited his presence.

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On the field, Chennai Super Kings delivered a commanding performance, restricting Royal Challengers Bangalore to 173 runs after being put into bat by Faf du Plessis. CSK’s bowlers dismantled RCB’s top order early in the innings, paving the way for a smooth chase. The CSK batters, displaying finesse, comfortably reached the target of 176 with eight balls to spare, sealing a convincing victory.