NEW DELHI: In the world of cricket, few names evoke as much emotion as MS Dhoni. More than just a cricketer, Dhoni is a cultural phenomenon, especially in Chennai, where he is affectionately dubbed Thala by the passionate supporters of Chennai Super Kings (CSK). His every appearance on the field—be it at the iconic Chepauk Stadium or an away ground—transforms stadiums into a sea of yellow, with fans roaring in unison, often pushing decibel levels to new heights just to catch a glimpse of their idol.
Dhoni’s aura is built on more than just runs and wickets. His unshakeable composure, exceptional leadership, and unmatched finishing prowess—evident in iconic moments like the 2011 World Cup final—have cemented his status as one of cricket’s greatest ever. Under his captaincy, CSK clinched five IPL titles, making him a revered figure not just in Chennai but across the cricketing world. Whether it’s his helicopter shot or a tactical masterstroke from behind the stumps, Dhoni’s presence guarantees packed stadiums and an electrifying atmosphere, a testament to his enduring popularity even at the age of 43.
Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh, a teammate of Dhoni during India’s golden era and a CSK player under his captaincy, recently stirred the pot with a bold statement that has set social media abuzz. Speaking on JioStar, Harbhajan declared, ‘If any cricketer has real fans, it’s MS Dhoni. The rest are paid.’ His comment underscores the authenticity of Dhoni’s fanbase, distinguishing it from what he perceives as manufactured support boosted by social media and paid promotions for other players. ‘Kitna bacha hua hai aur jab tak dum hai khelo bhai. Meri team hoti to shayad main kuch aur decision leta,’ Harbhajan added, hinting at a desire to see Dhoni continue playing as long as he can. ‘Aur seedhi si baat hai, fan to chahenge kyunki unke fan jo hai, wo asli hai. Baaki to ye bane banaye hai, aajkal social media pe aadha paid hi chalta hai,’ he elaborated, driving home the point that Dhoni’s supporters are driven by genuine admiration rather than orchestrated hype.
Reflecting on Dhoni’s form, Harbhajan noted, ‘MS Dhoni iss baar dekhein to accha khele hain, theek thaak khele,’ acknowledging that while the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman has shown flashes of brilliance in the twilight of his career, his consistency might not be what it once was. In IPL 2024, Dhoni managed 161 runs at a strike rate of over 220, often coming in during the death overs to provide explosive cameos, though his overall impact was limited by CSK’s team struggles.
On that note, things haven’t gone CSK’s way in recent years. The five-time IPL champions endured successive disappointing campaigns, missing the playoffs in both IPL 2024 and becoming the first team to be eliminated from playoff contention in IPL 2025. This marks a stark contrast to their dominant run under Dhoni’s leadership, raising questions about the team’s transition and future strategy, especially with speculation swirling around whether Dhoni will continue to don the yellow jersey in the coming seasons.
As the debate over Dhoni’s legacy and CSK’s fortunes continues, Harbhajan’s words serve as a poignant reminder of the unwavering bond between Thala and his fans. In an era where social media metrics often blur the lines between genuine support and paid endorsements, Dhoni’s fanbase stands as a beacon of authenticity—a connection forged through years of iconic performances and heartfelt moments. Will we see more of Thala’s magic in the IPL? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the roar of the yellow brigade will echo wherever MS Dhoni goes.