Urvil Patel pays tribute to MS Dhoni at Chepauk, helicopters Cummins out of ground
IPL 2026: Urvil Patel uncorked a Dhoni-style helicopter shot off Pat Cummins in CSK's last home game of the season. MS Dhoni was again deemed unfit for the game against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday, May 17.
In what could have been the final home appearance of MS Dhoni for Chennai Super Kings, young batter Urvil Patel delivered a symbolic tribute with a trademark “helicopter shot” during the IPL 2026 clash with Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday, May 17. The moment arrived in CSK's last home game of the 2026 season, a match overshadowed by Dhoni’s absence due to injury, leaving fans emotional in the packed stadium.
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The tribute came in a high-pressure situation against SRH, where CSK were already fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive amid a challenging season. Urvil Patel walked in after the early wicket of Sanju Samson and immediately showed intent.
Facing Pat Cummins, he struck a pull shot for six off his second delivery and followed it up with a stunning flick off a low full toss on the third ball he faced, sending the ball over backward square in classic Dhoni-esque fashion, putting the Helicopter shot to great effect.
However, his promising stint was short-lived as he was dismissed soon after by Sakib Hssain, ending a brief but memorable contribution. He registered only 13 runs from 8 balls as CSK looked in trouble in a must-win game to keep play off hopes alive.
A SYMBOLIC TRIBUTE TO THALA
MS Dhoni was not part of the playing XI after being deemed unfit, despite travelling with the squad. His absence marked yet another emotional moment for fans who had turned up in large numbers hoping to see their “Thala” at Chepauk one last time.
“The good news is he's still here. But he's not fit enough to play this game. Hopefully we'll win this one and you never know, maybe in the last game,” captain Ruturaj Gaikwad said at the toss.
The moment, though brief, captured the emotional atmosphere at Chepauk, where Dhoni’s absence has loomed large throughout the season following his calf injury sustained before the start of IPL 2026. Despite travelling with the squad for multiple matches, the former captain has yet to feature this season, intensifying speculation that this could be his final campaign in Chennai colours.
In a season already filled with 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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