[WATCH] MS Dhoni inaugurates cricket stadium in Madurai, wows fans with batting skills

Indian cricket legend MS Dhoni captivated fans in Madurai on Thursday, October 10, demonstrating once again why he is still one of the most revered personalities in Indian cricket, despite retiring from international play years ago. The former Indian captain came in town to launch the newly constructed Velammal Cricket Stadium.

Cricket fans rushed to the site in droves to catch a sight of the two-time World Cup-winning captain.

Several videos went viral on social media, showing MS Dhoni in a black T-shirt and blue pants,

Taking a few deliveries and expertly sending balls across the pitch. In a moving moment, a small fan ran onto the pitch and touched his feet.

The newly opened Velammal Cricket Stadium boasts world-class facilities, including a Centre of Excellence and specialised practice nets. The stadium covers 11.5 acres near Velammal Hospital on Chinthamani Ring Road and is estimated to have cost roughly INR 325 crore to build.

Dhoni Batting at New Stadium in Madurai 💛🔥 pic.twitter.com/bRIsOdBo7M

— Ayyappan (@Ayyappan_1504) October 9, 2025

Currently, it has a capacity of approximately 7,300 spectators, with plans to expand to 20,000. The facility is equipped with advanced floodlights, a modern drainage system, and high-end security measures, aiming to establish itself as a major cricket hub in Tamil Nadu. While it is expected to host Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) and Ranji Trophy matches, international and IPL fixtures are unlikely in the near term.

Meanwhile, Dhoni, who led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2025 in the absence of regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, has not played competitive cricket since the season concluded. His Madurai visit comes just a day after he earned an official drone pilot licence by completing the DGCA Drone Pilot Certification programme with Garuda Aerospace.

Earlier this week, Dhoni also grabbed headlines after donning a Mumbai Indians jersey during a casual football game, reminding fans that the legend still knows how to stay in the spotlight.