Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: A ‘black magic’ row has taken social media by storm, coming into the spotlight during the IPL 2026 clash between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Chennai Super Kings. A viral video showing a Sunrisers Hyderabad fan performing a lemon ritual – often labelled as black magic – coincided with the dismissal of CSK star Shivam Dube, sparking widespread chatter online. Alongside the video, an unverified letter claiming that CSK complained to the IPL over the incident has also been circulating on social media.Reacting to the letter and the controversy, former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi claimed that such practices had occurred in the past, alleging that an IPL team owner had once resorted to similar methods.“I remember I posted some team owner doing this to the opposing team. By doing exactly this themselves in opposing team dressing room. I even alerted the opposing team owners about this way back in 2011 season – when it happened and I got an alert with concrete proof. I will reveal all these type of activities conducted by whom in the movie / Tv series as decided by my team to disclose,” Modi said.In another post, Modi dismissed the viral CSK complaint letter, questioning its authenticity.“Seems fake this time. But one team owner did indulge in this type of practice,” Modi wrote.“Black magic or coincidence. Or fake news,” he added in another post, reacting to the video.
‘Black magic’ in IPL: What exactly happened?
During the IPL 2026 match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Chennai Super Kings, a bizarre moment was caught on camera. A Sunrisers Hyderabad supporter holding a lemon appeared to perform a ritual that seemingly worked in the team’s favour.The incident took place in the 17th over of CSK’s innings, with Shivam Dube at the crease and the team at 154/7 while chasing 194. Known for turning games around, Dube was a key threat, and SRH were desperate for his wicket.In the viral clip, a fan in the stands is seen picking up a lemon, rotating it while muttering something, and then gesturing towards Dube, who was preparing to face a delivery from Sakib Hussain. Moments later, the left-hander was bowled, triggering wild celebrations in the stadium.
