Vaibhav Suryavanshi was born in Samastipur, Bihar, just two years after MS Dhoni won his first IPL title. Interestingly, his hometown is not far from Dhoni’s native place, Ranchi. Back then, both cities were part of the same state — Bihar.
Even though he never met Dhoni during his early years, Suryavanshi admired him deeply. Like millions of young cricketers in India, he grew up watching Dhoni’s matches and listening to stories about his journey. For Suryavanshi, Dhoni became more than a hero — he became a father figure.
Heartfelt Gesture After the Match
After Rajasthan Royals defeated Chennai Super Kings by six wickets on Tuesday at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, an emotional moment unfolded. As the players shook hands, Suryavanshi reached Dhoni. Instead of just shaking hands, he bent down and touched Dhoni’s feet. Dhoni, smiling shyly, held the young boy’s hand.
VAIBHAV SURYAVANSHI TOUCHING DHONI AFTER THE NATCH GOOSEBUMPSSSS pic.twitter.com/6oEdCnn69t
— tweeting from my grave. (@kalhonahoooooo) May 20, 2025
Earlier, a similar scene occurred when Yashasvi Jaiswal — now an Indian Test player and Suryavanshi’s teammate at RR — had paid tribute to Dhoni in the same way. This time, the touching moment belonged to 14-year-old Suryavanshi.
As expected, the photos and videos went viral on social media within minutes.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi touched MS Dhoni feet
— Shah (@Iamshah0000) May 20, 2025
Best moment of this IPL
pic.twitter.com/beItX8O5TK
Teen Star Impresses With the Bat
Importantly, this moment followed a brilliant performance by Suryavanshi. He scored a quickfire 57 off 33 balls. As a result, he played a key role in helping RR chase down the 188-run target with ease.
Initially, Yashasvi Jaiswal gave RR a flying start. He hammered 36 runs, including 18 off a single over from Khaleel Ahmed. However, Anshul Kamboj dismissed him, bringing Suryavanshi to the crease.
At first, the teenager played carefully. But whenever the ball was in his zone, he didn’t hesitate to attack. Even experienced bowlers like Ravindra Jadeja couldn’t stop him. He hit Jadeja for two massive sixes. Later, he reached his half-century with another six off spinner Noor Ahmad.
Big Stand with the Captain
Moreover, Suryavanshi built a strong 98-run partnership with captain Sanju Samson. Samson scored 41 and happily let the youngster take the lead.
Although RR had a poor season overall, this victory was their fourth. It also helped them move away from the bottom of the points table.
However, after Samson’s dismissal, things got tense. Suryavanshi and Riyan Parag (3) got out soon after. RR still needed 30 runs from 26 balls.
Fortunately, Dhruv Jurel (31*) and Shimron Hetmyer (12*) kept their cool. Eventually, they guided the Royals to a comfortable win.
CSK’s Struggles with the Bat
Earlier in the game, young Ayush Mhatre gave CSK some hope. He smashed 43 off just 20 balls. His explosive knock lifted CSK to 187 for 8. Yet, it wasn’t enough in the end.