MS Dhoni has been the adopted son of Chennai ever since he joined Chennai Super Kings in 2008. The 42-year-old was born in Ranchi but has found his second home, down south in Tamil Nadu. The cricketer has had a 17-year association with the city, having represented the CSK ever since the inception of the franchise.
As MS Dhoni nears the fag end of his career, the city of Chennai looms in an atmosphere of remorse, and sadness. As the adopted son of the city has his playing days numbered, former CSK player, Ambati Rayudu signifies the love of Chennai towards MS Dhoni.
The people of Chennai, have put their favourite celebrities on a pedestal. Love knows no bounds in the Tamil Nadu capital, and MS Dhoni has been no stranger to the love of Chennai. Fondly called 'Thala', Dhoni has potentially played his final match of IPL 2024 at the Chepauk, should CSK fail to make it through to the knockout rounds.
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What did Ambati Rayudu say about MS Dhoni's influence on the people of Chennai?
Explaining how important Dhoni is to CSK and what he means to the people of Chennai, Rayudu said on Stars Sports,
He is the God of Chennai, and I have no doubt that in the years to come, temples dedicated to MS Dhoni will be established in Chennai.
MS Dhoni has won the World Cup, IPL and Champions League, which has bought a lot of joy to the Chennai crowd. He has just always gone above and beyond for the team, the nation, and CSK. He is that rare individual that has faith in his players.
The former CSK star added,
Everyone in the crowd cheers for him; he is a legend. They may be considering the possibility that this is his final game in Chennai.
CSK would need to qualify for the knockout rounds, should they want to play at the Chepauk once again this IPL season. They are currently placed fourth, with 14 points in twelve matches.
MORE: How can RCB and CSK qualify for IPL playoffs together?
What is MS Dhoni's IPL record?
MS Dhoni won five IPL titles for Chennai Super Kings - 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023. The Ranchi-born cricketer also won two Champions Leagues for CSK, in 2010, and 2014. With seven trophies in his captaincy career, MS is one of the most successful captains to ever play franchise cricket.
| Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | 50s | High Score | 4s/6s | Catches/Stumpings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 263 | 228 | 5218 | 39.23 | 137.35 | 24 | 84* | 360/251 | 150/42 |
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