Shivam Dube
A strange and dramatic moment during the IPL 2026 clash between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Chennai Super Kings has taken social media by storm. What began as a routine high-pressure match quickly turned into a talking point after a viral video showed a fan seemingly performing a “black magic” ritual just seconds before a crucial wicket fell.
The incident occurred at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium during a tense run chase. Chennai Super Kings were chasing a competitive target of 194 runs, and the match had reached a critical stage. With the scoreboard reading 154/7 in the 17th over, all eyes were on Shivam Dube, a player known for his ability to turn matches around with explosive batting.
At that exact moment, cameras captured an unusual scene in the stands. A supporter of Sunrisers Hyderabad was seen holding a lemon and rotating it repeatedly while murmuring something. The fan then gestured toward the field—specifically in the direction of Dube—just before the next ball was delivered. Within moments, Dube was bowled, triggering wild celebrations in the stadium and instant reactions online.
The Viral Moment Explained
The video spread rapidly across platforms, with fans humorously linking the dismissal to the fan’s actions. While many took it as a joke, others debated whether it was simply a coincidence or something more unusual. The clip quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of IPL 2026 so far.
How Shivam Dube Got Out
The dismissal itself, however, was purely cricketing. Sakib Hussain delivered a fast, full-length ball aimed at the middle stump. Shivam Dube appeared unprepared for the pace, attempting a flick shot but missing the ball entirely. It skidded off the pitch and crashed into the stumps. Dube, who scored 21 runs off 16 balls, had to walk back disappointed.
Despite the viral “black magic” narrative, cricket experts pointed out that the wicket was a result of smart bowling and a misjudgment by the batter rather than anything supernatural.
Match Result
Sunrisers Hyderabad went on to win the match by 10 runs, strengthening their position on the points table and moving up to fourth place. The victory also ended Chennai Super Kings’ two-match winning streak, making the contest even more significant in the tournament context.
Fake CSK Complaint Goes Viral
Adding another layer to the drama, a supposed “official complaint letter” from Chennai Super Kings to the Board of Control for Cricket in India began circulating online. The letter claimed that CSK had raised concerns about “black magic” and “voodoo practices” allegedly performed by SRH fans during the match.
However, the claim was quickly debunked. Reports confirmed that the letter was photoshopped and completely fake. Neither CSK nor the BCCI issued any such complaint, and the viral document was nothing more than a social media meme that gained traction due to the already unusual nature of the incident.
Social Media Reactions
Fans reacted with a mix of humor and disbelief. Memes flooded platforms, with some jokingly crediting the fan for the wicket, while others praised the unpredictability and entertainment value of the IPL. The moment once again highlighted how quickly unusual incidents can capture public imagination in the age of social media.
Black magic live 😭 pic.twitter.com/rzJYd6kjti
— Out Of Context Cricket (@GemsOfCricket) April 19, 2026
While the “black magic” angle added an entertaining twist to the match, the reality remains grounded in cricketing skill and coincidence. The viral video and fake complaint underline how easily narratives can be shaped online, especially during high-profile events like the IPL.
