- MS Dhoni: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (MS Dhoni) is one of those players who has been a part of this league since the first season of IPL. During this time, he also made Chennai Super Kings (CSK) champion 5 times under his captaincy. Along with him, Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan is also a part of IPL since 2008.
At the time when Dhoni was made the captain of CSK, Shah Rukh Khan was associated with IPL as the owner of KKR. Now he has given a shocking statement about Indian legend cricketer MS Dhoni.
Source: Instagram
King Khan gave a statement about MS Dhoni
Actually, recently King Khan attended a Bollywood award function. As soon as he reached the stage, Karan Johar asked him about his retirement. Shahrukh Khan answered his question in a very unique way. Giving the example of Dhoni, he said- “I am actually a different kind of legend. Dhoni and I are legends of a different kind. We play IPL 10 times even after saying no.” Karan Johar was also stunned to hear this funny answer of King Khan.
See here what Shahrukh Khan said-
Shah Rukh Khan – Legends know when to retire like Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Chhetri, Roger Federer
— sohom (@AwaaraHoon) September 29, 2024
Karan Johar – so why don't you retire
SRK – Me & Dhoni are different kind of legends, we play 10 IPL after saying no
Vicky Kaushal – Retirement are for legends, Kings are forever pic.twitter.com/gEeAS48BGN
Speculations about MS Dhoni’s retirement intensify
As soon as the retention rules of IPL 2025 were released, the discussions about the new season have intensified. Like always, this time too there is speculation about the retirement of former Chennai captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Some reports are claiming that considering his fitness, Dhoni may announce his retirement before the new season of IPL this time. However, no such news has come from CSK yet.
Will CSK retain Dhoni?
If Dhoni does not retire this time too, then the biggest question is whether the franchise will retain him? According to the new rules, this time teams can retain 6 players. In which one player can be retained through RTM. On the other hand, it has been 5 years since Dhoni retired from international cricket.
Therefore, this time Chennai can include him in the team as an uncapped player. Even though he is 43 years old, he is still one of the biggest players of this tournament. He has scored 5243 runs in IPL. In such a situation, CSK is unlikely to leave Dhoni’s side now.
Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan is known for his love of cricket, especially his deep involvement with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) franchise, which he co-owns. However, in a recent interview, King Khan stirred up controversy by making comments about legendary cricketer MS Dhoni that have left millions of fans in shock. Shahrukh Khan, while discussing the upcoming IPL season, made remarks that suggest he’s not too thrilled about seeing Dhoni still playing in the IPL, a statement that has ruffled the feathers of Dhoni’s ardent supporters.
Shahrukh Khan’s Statement: A Shocker for Dhoni Fans
In a candid conversation about the future of the IPL and its veteran players, Shahrukh Khan hinted that he believed MS Dhoni, one of the greatest cricketers in the history of the tournament, should consider stepping aside. He remarked, “While it’s always great to see Dhoni on the field, I sometimes wonder if it’s time for new blood to take over. Every great career has an end, and sometimes it’s better to exit on a high.”
This seemingly innocuous comment quickly became a topic of heated discussion on social media. Dhoni, often referred to as ‘Thala’ by his fans, has a massive following not just across India but globally. Many of his supporters feel that Shahrukh Khan’s statement was out of place and unnecessary, given the respect Dhoni commands both on and off the field.
Why the Statement Upset Fans
MS Dhoni is not just another player in the Indian Premier League; he is an institution in himself. Having led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to four IPL titles and creating a legacy of calm, calculated leadership, Dhoni’s presence on the field is more than just about his performance—it’s about the emotion and passion he brings to the game.
Fans of MS Dhoni were quick to point out that despite his age, Dhoni continues to deliver strong performances. His cricketing acumen, unmatched leadership skills, and ability to finish games under pressure remain as sharp as ever. To millions, he is irreplaceable. Shahrukh Khan’s comments, which many interpreted as a suggestion that Dhoni should retire, hit a raw nerve with his fanbase.
Social Media Backlash: Fans Defend Dhoni
Almost immediately after the interview was published, social media platforms were flooded with reactions. Dhoni fans rallied in support of their hero, with hashtags like #MSDhoniForever and #RespectThala trending on Twitter. The comment sections on Shahrukh Khan’s social media pages were filled with passionate messages from fans, many of whom called the remarks disrespectful to a player of Dhoni’s stature.
One fan wrote, “MS Dhoni has done more for Indian cricket than anyone can imagine. How dare Shahrukh Khan suggest he should retire? Dhoni will leave when he’s ready, not when others say so!” Another fan commented, “Shahrukh Khan should focus on his own team’s performance before commenting on Dhoni’s career.”
Despite the backlash, some fans took a more balanced view, acknowledging that while Shahrukh Khan may not have meant any disrespect, his words were poorly timed and perhaps misinterpreted.
The Legacy of MS Dhoni in IPL
MS Dhoni’s contribution to IPL and cricket, in general, cannot be overstated. From leading CSK to becoming one of the most consistent and formidable teams in IPL history to mentoring young players, Dhoni’s influence extends far beyond just his batting or wicket-keeping. His calm demeanor, even under extreme pressure, has earned him a loyal fanbase that transcends team allegiances.
Even in the twilight of his career, Dhoni’s performances have been stellar. He continues to prove that age is just a number, often turning games in favor of CSK with his tactical genius and ability to inspire his teammates. Fans feel that Dhoni has earned the right to decide when he wants to hang up his boots and that no one, not even a Bollywood superstar, should question his decision to keep playing.
The Rivalry Between KKR and CSK: Adding Fuel to the Fire
While Shahrukh Khan’s comments may have been part of a larger conversation about the changing dynamics of the IPL, many fans believe that the intense rivalry between his team, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings has added fuel to the fire. KKR and CSK have faced off in several high-stakes matches over the years, and Dhoni has often had the upper hand.
Some fans speculated that Shahrukh Khan’s remarks were influenced by his frustration with KKR’s inability to consistently outperform CSK. While this is purely speculation, the history between the two teams adds another layer to the controversy.
Will This Affect IPL 2024?
With IPL 2024 around the corner, the spotlight on MS Dhoni has never been brighter. The cricketing legend has hinted in the past that he is nearing the end of his IPL career, but nothing is set in stone. Fans are hoping for another vintage Dhoni season, with the possibility of him leading CSK to yet another title.
As for Shahrukh Khan, the controversy may not have any long-term impact on his IPL involvement, but it’s clear that he has touched a sensitive chord with Dhoni’s supporters. It remains to be seen whether he will clarify or soften his stance in the coming weeks.
Conclusion: The Unbreakable Bond Between MS Dhoni and His Fans
Shahrukh Khan’s statement about MS Dhoni’s future in IPL may have been made with good intentions, but it has sparked an emotional reaction from fans who see Dhoni as irreplaceable. For millions of cricket lovers, Dhoni’s career is more than just about statistics—it’s about the joy and inspiration he brings to the game.
As the IPL 2024 season approaches, all eyes will be on MS Dhoni. Whether or not it is his last season, one thing is clear: his legacy is untouchable, and no amount of outside opinion will change the love and respect his fans have for him.
MS Dhoni has always let his cricket do the talking, and fans are confident that he will continue to do so, proving once again why he is one of the greatest to ever play the game.