The passion for cricket in CSK is higher than any franchise: Matthew Hayden

Former cricketers Matthew Hayden and Irfan Pathan shared their perspectives on the profound impact and unique qualities of two powerhouse franchises in the Indian Premier League – the Mumbai Indians and the Chennai Super Kings.

Former Australia cricketer Matthew Hayden commended the Chennai Super Kings for their exceptional talent scouting system, emphasising the depth of their scouting network in Tamil Nadu. Hayden highlighted the significance of CSK's passionate fan base, extending beyond the iconic MS Dhoni, and compared their dedication to that of Mumbai Indians' superior cricket fans.

“Well, they love heroes and MS Dhoni is one of those heroes. But they also love cricket, and what they are, and it's similar to Mumbai Indians, to the credit of Mumbai Indians, is that they are superior cricket fans. You heard the passion of the fans and how they even find Jadeja, for example, to be so popular in their eyes. So it’s that passion, that energy, that motivation,”, Hayden said while speaking exclusively to Star Sports during the MI vs CSK Ultimate Team debate.

“I mean even when Chennai weren’t even in the IPL, who remembers the Whistle Podu train following them to Pune in Maharashtra to actually follow MS Dhoni. So, it’s just the passion, the emotion for cricket which is higher than any other franchise.

“The thing for me is Mumbai Indians are great at building an ivory tower and when you look at Chennai Super Kings and Tamil Nadu in general, I’ll just throw in a few names who aren’t playing for CSK – Jagadeeshan, Natarajan, Shahrukh Khan, Washington Sundar, Vijay, Chakravarthy, Sai Sudarshan, Sai Kishor…I mean, Tamil Nadu cricket and the fan base that supports Chennai Super Kings, in that scouting system is second to none in the world. Its passion for the game, and not just in that one man, MS Dhoni, who we all know is the most famous person in the IPL, but they are building a legacy and spreading the ivory tower until even gully cricket is a scoop drain for CSK and the support network it reaches out to as a franchise.”

Reflecting on his retirement and the enduring legacy of CSK, Hayden asserted that players like Dhoni, himself, and Raina will forever hold a special place in the hearts of fans, showcasing the everlasting impact of the franchise.

“I retired in 2010 after we won the title, in the backyard of Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium. And even when one's retired, yes, I have been in commentary and working on the game, there is still this great passion and energy for the ex-players. So, I just want to reinforce that point that MS Dhoni will never retire from CSK. His number is 1, Hayden is number 2, and Raina is number 3 and so on it goes, it just shows that the legacy is there in the clubhouse, at Chepauk Stadium, and that’s what fans gravitate to. They love the success, they love the individuals, and they will never ever leave you behind.”