Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings have developed quite a rivalry in the Indian Premier League with the two franchises joint-holders of the record for most titles in the tournament’s history.
The two teams have won five IPL titles each and led by two of India’s finest cricketers in MS Dhoni (CSK) and Rohit Sharma (MI).
Ambati Rayudu, who had the privilege to represent both MI and CSK during his IPL career, says there’s a difference between the fanbase of the two franchises.
Rayudu, reckons that MI fans are more team oriented rather than player-driven but it’s not the case with CSK where he claims fans back Dhoni first and then the team.
“As a player I would say, they support Mumbai Indians more than one player or X player or Y player. They are always for Mumbai Indians. Chennai Super Kings is slightly different. Chennai are: Dhoni’s fans first and then CSK. If Mahi bhai is not there, don’t think the stadium would be half full. They are all Mahi bhai fans,” Rayudu said on The Ranveer Show 360.
Dhoni, fondly called as Thala by his legion of CSK fans, continues to be a big draw even four years after he last played an international match for India.
One of the finest captains to have led India, Dhoni continues to lead CSK in IPL and earlier this year, guided them to a record-equalling fifth IPL title.
Since the inception of IPL in 2008, CSK have always been led by Dhoni barring when they were suspended for two seasons and in the first half of 2022 when allrounder Ravindra Jadeja was handed over the reins.
It was widely speculated that the IPL 2023 will be the final season of Dhoni’s glittering playing career but the legendary captain is expected to don the yellow shirt once more next year after being named among the players CSK have retained ahead of the next auction.
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