Fact Check: Was CSK pacer Anshul Kamboj at Vijay's Oath Ceremony? R Ashwin raises Question!

Hours before Chennai Super Kings' must-win IPL 2026 clash against Lucknow Super Giants at Chepauk - veteran CSK spinner Ravichandran Ashwin posted a photo from Tamil Nadu CM Vijay's public event. A white bracket highlighted a uniformed security officer beside the CM at a PWD podium in Chennai.

Vijay was sworn in as the new Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, the chief of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), along with the coalition of Indian National Congress (INC), Left Parties (CPI & CPIM), and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK).

Ashwin's caption read: "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." The post garnered over 29K likes and 611K views, sparking widespread memes.

Fact Check: Was Anshul Kamboj Present at Vijay's Oath Ceremony?

The highlighted individual is not Anshul Kamboj. He is a member of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay's security detail.

The image shows standard protocol: a police or security officer in ceremonial uniform standing guard during CM Vijay's oath-taking or public address at Nehru Stadium / Secretariat events on May 10. Tight security arrangements were in place for the high-profile swearing-in.

In contrast, Anshul Kamboj - CSK's 25-year-old death-over specialist from Haryana - was with the team at Chepauk. CSK's official account posted a video confirming: "Don't worry, Anshul Kamboj is here " as he prepared for the LSG match. No credible reports link him to any security duty.

Anshul Kamboj's Season in Numbers

Kamboj has emerged as CSK's bowling standout in IPL 2026, with 17 wickets in 9-10 matches (joint Purple Cap contender). He leads the league with 10 death-over wickets, excelling with around-the-wicket angles and yorkers against right-handers. His form has been crucial for CSK's playoff push.

Ashwin, known for sharp cricket banter, used the post for light-hearted team ribbing amid match-day tension. Most fans and replies treated it as harmless meme material, with side-by-side comparisons and jokes about "Kamboj's double duty" quickly clarifying the joke. CSK fans embraced the humour while focusing on the big home game.

This was classic Ashwin sarcasm, not a factual report. Anshul Kamboj was focused on his IPL duties at Chepauk - not CM security.