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Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has stepped into controversy again with the claim that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) stalwart MS Dhoni has a real supporter base while others have paid fan armies. It is to be noted that Harbhajan and Dhoni played for India from 2004 to 2016. Both were members of the side that won the Cricket World Cup 2011. Harbhajan has issued controversial statements regarding Dhoni on several instances but this time, he acknowledged something positive related to Dhoni. On May 17, when Harbhajan appeared in a conversation with JioStar, former India spin wizard delivered a shocking remark.
"Kitna bacha hua hai aur jab tak dum hai khelo bhai. Meri team hoti to shayad main kuch aur decision leta. Aur seedhi si baat hai fan to chahenge kyunki unke fan jo hai. Mujhe lagta hai ki sabse zyada fan agar asal wale fan jo hai woh unke (Dhoni) hi hai (CSK). Baaki to ye bane banaye hai jo aajkal social media aadha to paid hi chalta hai par ye inke fan jo hai wo asali hai. Inke jo fan hai wo sahi mein fan hai. Baaki yahan wahan jo aap number dekhte ho wo chhodiye number unke upar kabhi baithenge to charcha karenge," remarked Harbhajan.
Former Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper’s remark is seen as taunt to Virat Kohli’s supporters, who marked their presence at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, to pay tribute to the 36-year-old during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 game between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on May 17. Fans hoarded at the stadium to celebrate Kohli's distinguished 14-year Test career which was concluded by the star batter on May 12.
Harbhajan Singh praised MS Dhoni’s performance in IPL 2025
Harbhajan further said that Dhoni has looked decent in the T20 extravaganza thus far. "MS Dhoni iss baar dekhein to accha khele hain, theek thaak khele," added Harbhajan. Showing up in 12 matches of the T20 tournament, the 43-year-old has hoarded 180 runs at a strike rate of 140.62.
CSK have two games left to play in this competition and they will expect Dhoni to be at his best with leadership and batting to help the Yellow Army conclude the tournament on a positive note. With only three wins in 12 matches, Dhoni and his boys are at the bottom of the points tally.
