Kamal Ghorui
MS Dhoni and Deepak Chahar have always shared a strong off-field bond, and a recent video shared by Mumbai Indians on X once again showcased their camaraderie, this time with a humorous twist.As Chennai Super Kings prepare to face Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium, the two five-time champions will meet for the first time in IPL 2026. Both teams have had a similar start to the season, winning two and losing four matches each, making this high-stakes clash crucial for regaining momentum.The CSK vs MI fixture, often dubbed the “El Clasico of the IPL,” remains one of the most intense rivalries in the league. Mumbai Indians hold a slight edge in the head-to-head record, leading 22-19 across IPL and CLT20 encounters. In IPL 2026, MI and CSK is going to face for the 40th time and it is their 14th face-off in Mumbai.
Dhoni-Chahar Banter
Despite the fierce on-field rivalry, moments like these highlight the friendships that go beyond team colours. In a video from a recent net session, Deepak Chahar, now part of Mumbai Indians after his stint with CSK, approached his former captain MS Dhoni for a chat.However, Dhoni jokingly pointed out the presence of the camera and quipped:“Tum aaya, saath mein camera leke aaya… bhagao isko.” (You came along with a camera… get him out of here.)Chahar then playfully told the cameraman to leave, saying: “Arey yaar bhaiya, jao aap.”(Come on, brother, please go.)Dhoni added with a smile: “Haan, warna baat nahi kar paenge.” (Yes, otherwise we won’t be able to talk.)The duo is famous for their “elder brother-younger brother” bond. During the 2025 MI vs CSK match, Chahar hilariously tried to sledge Dhoni by gesturing he would field at short silly point as Dhoni walked out to bat. After CSK’s win, Dhoni was seen jokingly “hitting” Chahar with his bat during the post-match handshakes, a moment that went viral as a sign of their enduring friendship.
