Over the years, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have become closely associated with one individual: MS Dhoni. The Indian wicketkeeper is revered in the region, akin to a demi-god, and it is no wonder that the noise levels soar when the former captain of India steps onto the field to bat. However, former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu believes that the fans in Chennai prioritize their admiration for MS Dhoni over their support for the franchise, which he argues is not beneficial for the team.

Recently, Rachin Ravindra clinched CSK's IPL 2025 match against the Mumbai Indians by hitting a six in the last over. Following this, social media erupted with discontent from MS Dhoni's fans, who were unhappy that the New Zealand player did not allow 'Thala' to conclude the match himself.

Rayudu has raised concerns about the peculiar fixation on Dhoni among the crowd at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. It is worth noting that the Chennai audience is known for their appreciation of quality cricket and their deep understanding of the game.

"It is quite unusual, and I believe it does not benefit the sport. It can be intimidating for newcomers. The support is incredible, and the atmosphere is electric. However, as you continue to play, you realize that they are fans of MS Dhoni first and CSK fans second. This is quite clear, and understandably so, given how the team has been structured and developed over the years," Rayudu stated in an interview with ESPNCricinfo.

"He is rightly referred to as Thala, and he has been the driving force behind CSK. It has reached a point where people are profoundly enamored with what he has accomplished for the team," he added.

'They are asking you to get out'

Rayudu elaborated on how the audience sometimes wishes for CSK batters to be dismissed merely to witness MS Dhoni in action. As a former player for CSK, he shared insights into how this behavior has affected players over the years.

"This has been a recurring issue for several years, and many players have experienced it. While not everyone has openly discussed it, internally, numerous individuals have sensed the crowd's sentiments. We all admire MS Dhoni, and the fans share that admiration, wanting to see him bat. However, when you step up to bat, it can be disheartening to hear the crowd urging you to get out or expressing their expectation for you to do so," Rayudu remarked.

"It is quite peculiar, and honestly, I believe it does not benefit the game. All the other players are striving to contribute to the team as well. They are dedicated and have made significant sacrifices to reach this level. Such reactions from their own supporters could, in my opinion, be avoided," he continued.

The former Indian cricketer also mentioned that Dhoni could play a pivotal role in addressing this situation. He urged the franchise to be mindful and prepare for a future without the World Cup-winning captain.

"The ideal person to tackle this issue is MS Dhoni himself. If he were to publicly state, ‘These are all our players, and just as I bat, they are also batting,’ it would help calm the crowd and benefit the players," he suggested.

"It will be quite a challenge, not just for the players or Chennai, but certainly for the franchise as well. Attracting crowds like that, especially on weekdays, is remarkable; the stands are packed, and the engagement is exceptional. There is no other cricketer comparable to him, to be honest. The franchise has not developed another player capable of drawing such crowds, as it has always revolved around him."

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