A section of fans on social media alleged that CSK has been involved in ball-tampering during their IPL 2025 El Clasico against the Mumbai Indians on Sunday, March 23. The left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed was seen allegedly exchanging some object with CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad right before bowling in a clip that has gone viral on social media. While this video has obtained quite a bit of traction, its authenticity could not be verified independently.
The clip shows Ruturaj going towards Khaleel, who was taking something from the left pocket of his pants. The CSK skipper had the ball in his hand while Khaleel and Ruturaj were caught talking, though they weren’t facing the camera. By the time they got toward facing the camera, Khaleel was seen taking the ball from Ruturaj and handing something to the CSK skipper, who then went away and was seen shoving something in his pocket. Fans have been quick to accuse CSK of ball tampering, with many taking to social media to express their outrage.
CSK’s Thrilling Win Over MI Marred by Controversy
Ball tampering now? 🤡
-Home matche knowing MI’s captain won’t be available.
-Uncapped player rule.
-2nd ball in 2nd innings so spinners can grip better.
-Everything seems well planned. 😭Ban this shameless franchise for 2 more years!" pic.twitter.com/XKn8DI0m3q
— Ayush (@itsayushyar) March 24, 2025
However, the win of CSK over MI was scintillating despite the controversies surrounding it. Chennai kicked off their IPL 2025 campaign by beating MI by 4 wickets. CSK had won the toss and decided to field first, which proved to be a masterstroke as Khaleel dismissed Rohit Sharma with just the fourth ball of the innings before sending Ryan Rickleton back to the hut with another strike in his following over.
The stay of Will Jacks was not long either, as MI was already in deep trouble when Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma steadied it with a fifty-run stand. But this was the point when Noor Ahmad came into the scene and doused the MI batting. With a stunning stumping from MS Dhoni, Noor sent Suryakumar back, as the Afghan spinner accounted for 4 wickets on the day.
MI eventually scored a total of 155 runs in the allotted 20 overs but it was not enough. CSK was able to notch the victory through fifties by Rachin Ravindra and Ruturaj Gaikwad. Khaleel picked up three wickets in the match altogether.
The win was a great launch pad for CSK into IPL 2025, notwithstanding the cloud of ball tampering allegations that dared to rain on their victory parade. The controversy might well be kept simmering, with many a fan calling for an inquiry into the matter.
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