IPL 2021: Imran Tahir’s new ‘lion’ hairdo has CSK fans excited

Chennai Super Kings player Imran Tahir has always been a fan favourite. His match-winning performances and his wicket celebrations are loved by fans who can’t get enough of the ‘Parasakthi Express’. CSK fans have given endearing names to their favourite players, some of the more popular ones being ‘Thala’ to refer to captain M.S. Dhoni and ‘Chinna Thala’ for Suresh Raina. Tahir is often referred to as ‘Parasakthi Express’.

And now, the South African cricketer has given them another reason to love him even more.

On Friday, the Twitter handle of the Chennai Super Kings shared a video of Tahir at nets, training with his teammates ahead of the start of this year’s Indian Premier League.

“Sakthi kodu! Parasakthi Express all set to weave his magic this #Summerof2021,” CSK tweeted along with the video clip. “Parasakthi Express is ready. Are you ready? Whistle Podu,” Tahir says at the beginning of the video.

However, what caught the attention of fans is his new hairdo. Several social media users pointed out that it made him look like a ‘lion’.

“Imran Tahir legit looking like a lion,” one user commented.

Another user simply replied to the tweet with an emoji of a lion.

In the video, Tahir talks about his return to the IPL and playing for Chennai Super Kings again. The 42-year-old, one of the most senior members of the squad, said that he is really excited to play this year even as the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic.

CSK decided to retain Tahir even though he had played only three matches in last year’s IPL which was staged in the UAE due to the pandemic.

The Chennai team had a forgettable outing last year and finished seventh in the eight-team standings. CSK will face Delhi Capitals in their opening match on Saturday at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.