In the ongoing season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, MS Dhoni‘s popularity has reached new heights, especially considering it could be his final season in the tournament. Despite grappling with injuries, Dhoni has showcased phenomenal hitting prowess, delighting fans with his remarkable performances. His remarkable cameos and commanding presence in the final overs of matches have often turned the tide in favour of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), leaving opponents struggling. While Dhoni is yet to disclose his future with the franchise, he passed on the leadership duties to Ruturaj Gaikwad before the start of the lucrative league.
Fans at the ground eagerly await the appearance of the wicketkeeper-batter, displaying their immense love for Dhoni. Their admiration is so high that they often cheer even the dismissals of their own team’s players, as it signals the possibility of Dhoni’s appearance on the field. This trend occasionally leads to the overshadowing of other players’ achievements. Such behaviour has faced criticism from fans of rival teams and sparked discussions from various sports personalities. Joining them, Ambati Rayudu has also offered his insights into this issue.
Ambati Rayudu’s bold statement about CSK fans
In a discussion on Star Sports, former CSK player Rayudu shed light on the one-sided affection fans have for Dhoni, noting that some tend to prioritize Dhoni over the team as a whole. Rayudu further disclosed that despite his and Ravindra Jadeja‘s commendable efforts on the field, they often received less applause than the 42-year-old stalwart in Chennai. He also expressed that Jadeja has increasingly felt frustrated by this pattern in recent years and emphasized that Jadeja cannot alter it.
“Even when you hit a six and a four the crowd is silent, me and Jadeja felt that in the last few years. I really believe when I say this, that CSK fans are MS Dhoni fans first, and CSK fans later. Even Jadeja gets frustrated, but he cannot do anything,” Rayudu said on Star Sports.
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CSK’s next match in IPL 2024
CSK is set to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday, May 18. This match holds significant importance for both teams, resembling a virtual knockout, as defeat could severely dent their playoff aspirations. Chennai fans are eagerly anticipating a victory for their team, hoping to witness Dhoni clinch the IPL trophy in what could potentially be his final season.
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