Young pacer Yash Dayal recently found himself at the center of a social media storm after sharing a moment involving Mahendra Singh Dhoni on his Instagram story. The incident, which dates back to IPL 2024, saw Dayal dismiss the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain in a high-stakes match. While the left-arm seamer might have intended to celebrate a personal milestone, his post didn’t sit well with fans, who accused him of being immature.
Dayal’s Memorable Moment Against Dhoni
The incident occurred during a crucial IPL 2024 match between CSK and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). With a playoff spot on the line, Dayal was tasked with defending 17 runs in the final over against two of the game’s most feared finishers, Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja.
Dhoni smashed the first ball for a six, raising the stakes. However, Dayal kept his composure and delivered a back-of-the-hand slower ball, tempting Dhoni into a mistimed shot that resulted in a catch near the boundary. The young bowler conceded just seven runs in the over, helping RCB secure their playoff spot while eliminating CSK.
Months later, Dayal shared this memorable moment on Instagram, including a clip of Zaheer Khan dismissing Dhoni in a similar fashion. Fans perceived this as Dayal comparing himself to the legendary Indian pacer, leading to widespread criticism.
Fan Reactions on Social Media
The Instagram story quickly went viral, with fans expressing their displeasure on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Many labeled Dayal as “immature” for what they saw as an unnecessary attempt to boast. The backlash highlighted the reverence Dhoni commands among cricket enthusiasts and the sensitivity surrounding any perceived disrespect toward him.
Dayal Reflects on Dismissing Dhoni
Speaking with cricket presenter Jatin Sapru, Dayal reflected on the moment he dismissed Dhoni. He admitted feeling conflicted, given the speculation that it might have been Dhoni’s final IPL match.
“I felt bad after dismissing him. The way he walked off with visible frustration, it left me wondering if we’d ever see him on the field again,” Dayal said during the interview. He described the moment as emotionally overwhelming, even though it was a significant achievement for him personally.
Dhoni’s Return in IPL 2025
Contrary to speculation, Dhoni will return to lead CSK in IPL 2025. Retained under a new uncapped player rule for INR 4 crore, the CSK skipper’s continuation is a relief for fans eager to see more of the cricketing icon.
As for Dayal, the young bowler will aim to let his performances on the field speak for themselves in the coming seasons, focusing on growth while navigating the challenges of social media scrutiny.
