'I saw Sachin Tendulkar receive this kind of love' - Suresh Raina on MS Dhoni's fandom

Ahead of the IPL 2024 which begins on March 22, JioCinema experts Suresh Raina, RP Singh, and Parthiv Patel explained MS Dhoni fandom in an episode of Legends Lounge.

Excerpts:

RP Singh on why MS Dhoni’s fan-following shot up during IPL 2023: Last year, the fan-following he witnessed was beyond my understanding. Maybe, that’s because it’s been built over the years. MS has performed incredibly for CSK since the beginning and has led them to multiple trophies. Last year, people thought that it might be his last year as an active player, and it might be their final chance to see him play live. That may have caused a 25 to 30% increase in his fan-following. The moment he wore his pads last year, our viewership increased.

Also read: Chepauk's very own MS Dhoni hits the nets for potential farewell IPL season

Suresh Raina on whether he’s seen any player previously who had a fan-following like Dhoni: Absolutely, I saw Sachin Tendulkar receive this kind of love when we first came into the Indian team. That love was showered on Mahi bhai by Indian fans thereafter. ‘MSD, Mahendra Singh Dhoni’ the name alone is embedded in people’s hearts.

Also read: 'We have seen God' - MS Dhoni receives special reception from fans before heading for CSK practice

Parthiv Patel on moments that stand out in Indian fandom history: There have been three instances of fans showing this kind of love for players. In 2011 when we won the ODI World Cup. Then, when Sachin Tendulkar retired in 2013, the entire ground waited to hear his farewell speech. And last year whenever MS Dhoni played in Chennai, not a single fan would leave until his interview was over.

Also read: MS Dhoni is a special player and a special captain: Moeen Ali

RP Singh on Dhoni’s interest in appreciation from fans: I remember this team meeting a long time ago in 2006-2007 when we spoke about what drives players to perform. At that time, MS said, ‘When I get off a bus, I feel like two people are looking at me. When will those two turn to four and when will the four turn to 40? My passion for the game is because I want to play for the fans. I want the fans to see that MS Dhoni hits shots like this.’

Also read: MS Dhoni is the God of Jharkhand cricket: Saurabh Tiwary

Parthiv Patel on why No.7 and No. 10 are the two jerseys retired by BCCI: Look at the two jerseys retired by the BCCI. One is the No. 7 and the other is the No. 10. It shows that Dhoni isn’t just a player, he's an emotion. The way he connects with people, whenever he meets people anywhere, he'll talk to them as respectfully as possible. Only after doing all of this, you can create the aura that makes everybody love you.