When Cricket Meets Bollywood: Virat Kohli Vs MS Dhoni's IPL Showdown Gets An 'Animal' Makeover

As the IPL 2024 season heads towards its end, cricket fans are gearing up for the highly awaited face-off between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) today, May 18. This match isn’t just about securing the final playoff spot, but it could also become the farewell IPL game of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, if CSK fails to win the game. Ahead of the game, a viral video inspired by the climax sequence of Animal has left social media excited. An X user creatively reimagined the intense on-field rivalry and emotions between RCB’s Virat Kohli and CSK’s MS Dhoni. In this unique clip using Deepfake technology, Kohli is transformed into Ranbir Kapoor’s character, while Dhoni is imagined in Bobby Deol’s role. The video has garnered a positive response from fans, however, fans are concerned about the rain disrupting this crucial match.

In thel video, Kohli and Dhoni are shown battling it out to secure victory for their teams, where Kapoor wins against Deol’s character. Going by the actual scene from the movie, fans are speculating that RCB will then have a chance to win. However, earlier this week, two IPL games were cancelled due to rain and weather forecasts for the match in Bengaluru predict a high chance of downpour. If the game gets cancelled, both teams will be awarded one point each. This outcome would benefit CSK, as it would lead them directly to the playoffs, while it would increase the pressure on RCB.

Reacting to the clip, a user pointed out that despite being rivals in IPL, both Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni are from the same Indian cricket family.

Another user suggested that IPL advertisements should maintain this level of creativity and excitement to keep viewers engaged.

“This looks so awesome,” a comment read.

One more joked that MS Dhoni is looking more like Vicky Kaushal than himself in the video.

So far in this IPL season, Sunrisers Hyderabad are set to play their first playoff game since 2016. On the other hand, Gujarat Titans are currently on the bottom of the points table, alongside Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings, who have been eliminated from the tournament. Kolkata Knight Riders are leading the points table this year, followed by Rajasthan Royals. Today’s game will be crucial, particularly for RCB, as they attempt to keep their playoff dreams alive.