In Chennai, where cinema, politics, and cricket often dominate every conversation, social media witnessed a hilarious crossover on Sunday ahead of the crucial IPL 2026 clash between Chennai Super Kings and Lucknow Super Giants at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Just hours before the must-win encounter at Chepauk, fans were left amused after a viral image from the oath-taking ceremony of Tamil Nadu’s new Chief Minister, Joseph Vijay, began circulating widely online.
The image featured a security official standing prominently near the stage, but what grabbed everyone’s attention was his uncanny resemblance to CSK pacer Anshul Kamboj.
As the image quickly spread across social media platforms, fans jokingly questioned whether the young fast bowler had skipped match preparations to perform security duties at the political event. The confusion became one of the biggest talking points online ahead of the afternoon IPL fixture.
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Never one to miss an opportunity for humour, Ravichandran Ashwin joined the fun with a witty post on X. The veteran spinner jokingly urged his CSK teammate to rush back to Chepauk for the important clash.
“Duty always comes first, but on a must-win match day #CSKvLSG, it’s a bit too much. It’s a day game, get a cab and get to Chepauk ASAP Anshul Kamboj. Big game,” Ashwin posted, sending fans into further laughter.
Duty always comes first, but on a must win match day #CSKVLSG, it’s a bit too much.
It’s a day game, get a cab & get to Chepauk ASAP Anshul Kamboj.
Big Game. pic.twitter.com/CautY5PQRu
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) May 10, 2026
Don’t worry, Anshul Kamboj is here 💪#WhistlePodu #CSKvLSG pic.twitter.com/iYDeZsZSAU
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) May 10, 2026
CSK’s social media team also embraced the viral moment. The franchise quickly shared a video of Kamboj bowling in the nets and reassured supporters that the pacer was very much part of the squad preparing for the game.
While the viral image turned into a light-hearted social media moment, it also highlighted Kamboj’s growing popularity among Chennai fans this season. Bought for ₹3.40 crore, the Haryana speedster has emerged as one of CSK’s most reliable domestic performers in IPL 2026.
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Heading into the clash against Lucknow, Kamboj had already claimed 17 wickets in 10 matches, including a match-winning spell against Sunrisers Hyderabad. His ability to generate bounce and movement with the new ball has made him a key weapon for skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad during the powerplay overs.
CSK eventually won the toss and chose to bowl first after light rain showers in Chennai earlier in the day influenced conditions at Chepauk.
