By Rohit - Mar 24, 2025 04:33 PM
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) launched their IPL 2025 campaign with a dominant 4-wicket win over Mumbai Indians (MI) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday, March 23. Rachin Ravindra’s unbeaten 65 and Noor Ahmad’s 4/18 led CSK to chase down MI’s 155/9, with MS Dhoni’s lightning-fast stumping stealing the spotlight. However, a viral video featuring CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and pacer Khaleel Ahmed has overshadowed the victory, igniting allegations of ball tampering on social media.
The short clip, widely shared online on March 24, 2025, shows Khaleel Ahmed, who claimed 3/29 on his CSK debut, appearing to exchange a small item with Ruturaj Gaikwad during the match. The video ends with Gaikwad slipping the object into his pocket, triggering a storm of speculation. Some users on X have captioned the clip with claims like “CSK is involved in ball tampering—another ban is loading,” suggesting the team altered the ball’s condition to gain an edge.
Social media reactions on X reveal a divided fanbase. Some users assert the exchange points to foul play, with a few referencing CSK’s 2016-2017 suspension for betting-related offenses by team officials to imply a history of controversy. Others offer alternative theories, with posts suggesting, “It might just be chewing gum passed between the two,” or that it could be a legal act like shining the ball.
Suspended for 2 years, CSK is back with in doing illegal stuff. They are now tempering ball. pic.twitter.com/vGEmNUHEiq
— Facts (@BefittingFacts) March 24, 2025
Fact-checking uncovers no official backing for the tampering claims. Mumbai Indians and their players have not filed any complaints, and match reports from sources like ESPNcricinfo and The Indian Express make no mention of such an incident. Some X posts emphasize this, with comments like “There’s no official evidence to support ball-tampering claims” and “The video is unverified—probably just normal interaction.”
The buzz seems fueled by fan rivalry—especially with CSK’s upcoming clash against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on March 28—rather than concrete proof. As of now, the controversy remains speculative, driven by online chatter rather than facts.
Clear ball tampering @BCCI @IPL @JayShah
— Chai (@ABD_is_God) March 24, 2025
Plz ban this team again nd ban their captain Ruturaj gayakwad permanently from playing cricket nd save this gentleman's game#CSKvMIpic.twitter.com/2dsQmGe4V2
Ball tampering now? ?
— Ayush (@itsayushyar) March 24, 2025
-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
CSK’s win showcased their depth. Khaleel Ahmed struck early, dismissing Rohit Sharma for a duck, while Noor Ahmad ripped through MI’s middle order. Ruturaj Gaikwad’s fiery 53 off 26 balls set up the chase, sealed by Ravindra’s composed 65*. MI’s debutant Vignesh Puthur (3/32) provided resistance, but CSK’s dominance at Chepauk prevailed.
The online uproar has reignited debates about CSK’s reputation. While some fans cry foul, others dismiss the video as a misread of permissible ball maintenance, allowed under IPL’s 2025 rules post-saliva ban. CSK’s past suspension adds fodder for critics, but without official investigation, the allegations lack substance.
As IPL 2025 progresses, attention may return to the cricket—unless new evidence surfaces. For now, CSK basks in their opening triumph while the internet hums with unproven theories. Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.
Also Read: Vaibhav Suryavanshi: Age, Career, IPL Journey and Records
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