IPL 2025: Is CSK Fandom Turning Into Dhoni Worship?
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) faced a 50-run defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. However, what caught everyone’s attention wasn’t just the loss but the overwhelming reaction of CSK fans when MS Dhoni walked in to bat at No. 9 in a lost cause. The iconic Chepauk crowd, known for its deep cricketing knowledge, seemed to prioritize Dhoni’s presence over the team’s performance.
CSK’s Tactical Missteps
By the 13th over, CSK had already lost Shivam Dube, leaving them with a daunting target of 117 runs in just over seven overs. Despite the pressure, Dhoni remained in the dugout while Ravichandran Ashwin was sent in ahead of him. The move left fans and analysts puzzled, considering the escalating required run rate. With CSK having missed the playoffs in previous seasons due to net run rate, every run mattered, making the decision even more questionable.
Chepauk’s Roar: Fandom or Idolization?
The moment Ashwin was dismissed in the 16th over, Chepauk erupted in cheers—not in disappointment, but in anticipation of Dhoni’s arrival. It was a stark contrast to what one might expect when a team is struggling. When Dhoni finally walked in, the stadium came alive as if the match had just begun.
In the final over, with the result already sealed, Dhoni smashed two sixes off Krunal Pandya, prompting commentators to wonder why he hadn’t been sent earlier when the game was still winnable. The excitement surrounding his batting, even in a dead contest, raised questions about whether CSK fandom was shifting from team support to sheer idol worship.
A Pattern in CSK’s Recent Games
This wasn’t an isolated incident. Over the past few seasons, CSK fans have increasingly focused on Dhoni’s presence rather than the team’s strategy and performance. Former CSK player Ambati Rayudu recently voiced concerns, suggesting that the intense Dhoni adulation might be affecting other players.
“It’s been happening for a few years now. Many players have felt it, even if they haven’t openly spoken about it. Every player is giving their best, but when the crowd cheers only for one player, it feels strange,” Rayudu remarked.
The Bigger Question: Are They CSK Fans or Just Dhoni Fans?
The Chennai crowd has long been respected for its deep understanding of cricket. This is the same crowd that gave a standing ovation to a visiting Pakistan team in 1999. However, recent events suggest that CSK matches are becoming more about Dhoni’s presence than the game itself.
With Dhoni at 43 and possibly in his final IPL season, the frenzy around him is understandable. But at what cost? Is CSK’s fan base truly supporting the team, or are they just here for one last glimpse of their favorite star?
