IPL 2025: Former CSK and MI cricketer Ambati Rayudu feels the extraordinary support MS Dhoni gets from Chennai Super Kings fans has turned into a nightmare for other players to handle as the crowd always want them to get out to witness their 'Thala' bat. The former India teammate of Dhoni also said fans support Dhoni first and then CSK which could hurt the team's brand in the future.
"It is quite daunting if you're a newcomer. It's quite loud. The support is phenomenal. But, as you go on and play, then you realise they are MS Dhoni fans before they are CSK fans," Rayudu told ESPNcricinfo.
"It is quite evident, and rightly so, because that's the way the team has been set up and built over the years. He's rightly named Thala (leader) and he has been calling the shots in CSK, and it's come to a stage where people are madly in awe and in love of what he's done for CSK."
At 43, Dhoni, who retired from international cricket in 2020, has taken a lower batting position in the IPL and stepped down from captaincy last year to ensure a smooth transition. He now bats at number seven or eight, facing only 10-15 balls per match, significantly limiting his time at the crease.
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Dhoni does not bat now for a longer period of time and the fans go crazy when he arrives in the field. Rayudu said it has been happening for few years and some players have even felt it but have not said it openly.
"...but internally, a lot of people used to feel that the crowd even though we also love MS Dhoni, and they also love MS Dhoni and we want to see him bat, but sometimes when you, as an individual, are going out to bat they are shouting from the crowd to… literally asking you to get out. Or they are anticipating or expecting you to get out."
"So it is quite strange, and I don't think it actually serves the game well to be very honest. All the (other) players are giving their best for the team as well and they have put in a lot of sacrifice to be where they are. When things like that happen from their own crowd, I feel, maybe it can be avoided."
Rayudu acknowledged that there's nothing wrong with a player's superstar status but suggested that the team might struggle to attract crowds once Dhoni retires. He also emphasized the need for fans to support other key players like Ravindra Jadeja.
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"(CSK) have not built up any other guy in the franchise to pull the crowds, because it has always revolved around MS Dhoni. That might come back to maybe bite them in terms of branding or getting the crowds in. So they will have to really think out of the box to make something happen."
"It is hard to challenge the number of fans that are present there and ask them to support your players. But that's what any good crowd would generally do - support the team, support the players, and especially Jadeja, who has done so well in the recent past for the franchise, who has won some crucial games."
Rayudu said Dhoni has not addressed this aspect in the past but only he can do it.
"I don't know if it's the right thing to do for him as well. Because all of them are rooting for the franchise as well. Maybe he thought it was prudent not to. It's just the culture. We are in awe of these superstars. I don't think it should change, but there should be a balance, especially in a team game. Because there are also other individuals who are affected by it. The best person who can address that is Dhoni himself."
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