‘The bond between MS Dhoni and Chennai is truly heartwarming’- Former cricketers praise India legend’s legacy in IPL

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is the next competition that Indian fans will be anticipating as the Champions Trophy draws to a close this weekend. The 18th edition of the 10-team league will start on March 22 and go through May 25.

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK), led by the renowned Mahendra Singh Dhoni, are a team with one of the largest fan bases. As captain of CSK, Dhoni has won five championships and is adored by the Chennai populace, who value all that he has done for the team.

Experts and former players have discussed the legacy of the 43-year-old batsman-wicketkeeper, offering their opinions on Dhoni’s legacy and relationship with the squad.

“There is a very touching connection between Chennai and MS Dhoni. JioHotstar quotes Aakash Chopra as saying, “It’s uncommon for a player from another city to be accepted so fully as one of their own.”

Ajay Jadeja, a former batter for India, also emphasised the devotion and love Chennai supporters have for Dhoni.

“The journey has been lovely. Every franchise had an idol when the IPL began in 2008, such as Delhi’s Virender Sehwag and Punjab’s Yuvraj Singh.

The idea that Dhoni would grow up to be the son of Chennai was unthinkable at the time, according to Jadeja.

That status was obtained by MS Dhoni: Anil Kumble,

Former famous spinner Anil Kumble, who has also lauded the keeper-batter, was the other expert who discussed MS Dhoni and his path. After bringing honours to CSK, Kumble believed it was inevitable that Dhoni would become a cult figure in Chennai.

“It was only a matter of time until MS Dhoni earned that status, where fans truly idolised him,” Kumble remarked, referring to Tamil Nadu’s tradition of hero worship.