Defending champions India held their nerve to secure a dramatic seven-run win over England in the T20 World Cup semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, overcoming a sensational assault from Jacob Bethell to set up a title clash against New Zealand in Ahmedabad.
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While the contest delivered high drama on the field, fans also had another reason to celebrate in the stands. Former India captain MS Dhoni was present at the stadium, and social media quickly lit up with references to the viral phrase “Thala for a reason.”
The phrase, which has become a widely shared meme among cricket fans, is linked to Dhoni’s iconic jersey number seven and his status as “Thala”, meaning leader, among supporters of the Chennai Super Kings. As India edged England in a tense finish, social media platforms were flooded with posts crediting Dhoni’s presence for the result. Many users repeated the phrase “Thala for a reason,” a sentiment that trended through the night.
Memes around Dhoni’s jersey number and the phrase have gained popularity over the past few years, often surfacing whenever the number seven appears in cricket or other contexts. Dhoni himself addressed the trend in a video in 2024 and admitted that he was aware of it but did not fully understand its origin.
“I do know, but I don’t know the reason behind it. I’m not sure whether it’s funny, meant to pull my leg, just banter, or a meme. But whatever it is, I think my fans have turned it into something positive for me. That’s what I feel,” Dhoni said.
The former India captain also spoke about the support he receives from fans.
“I’ve got brilliant fans. I don’t need to speak up or say anything. They’re the ones who step up if someone questions me. I’m just keeping quiet and enjoying my life. I try to play good cricket, and that’s what matters to me,” he added.
Earlier in the match, Sanju Samson’s sublime fifty and a crucial spell from Jasprit Bumrah helped India secure a seven-run win over England as the defending champions powered into the T20 World Cup final on Thursday.
Samson (89 off 42) overcame the early challenge from Jofra Archer, surviving a slice of luck before producing a sensational knock to fire India to a mammoth 253 for 7. It was the highest total recorded in a knockout match in the tournament’s history.
The total looked imposing at the Wankhede Stadium, but England mounted a strong fightback. Jacob Bethell led the charge with a superb 105 off 48 balls after England lost three wickets on the powerplay for 68 runs.
Bethell’s counterattack kept England in the hunt deep into the chase, but India’s bowlers held their nerve in the closing overs. Bumrah delivered a decisive spell at the death, finishing with figures of 1 for 33 in four overs as England were restricted to 246 for 7 in their 20 overs.
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