The relationship between the city of Chennai and their chosen son, MS Dhoni, has become the stuff of legend. MS Dhoni has represented the Chennai Super Kings ever since the first edition of the IPL in 2018 save for the two years the franchise was suspended, and in that time, the two have become synonymous with one another. Dhoni has led Chennai to four IPL titles. They have also finished as runners-up on five occasions, a spell of extended brilliance which has cemented Dhoni as one of the greatest captains in IPL's cricket history.
Although Dhoni hails from Ranchi, Jharkhand, his emotional connection to the yellow of Chennai is iconic. He is affectionately known as ‘Thala’ across Chennai, and belongs to that city as much as he does to the place of his birth. To explain this love which has blossomed between Dhoni and Chennai, CSK owner N Srinivasan pointed to another one of Dhoni’s passions: motorcycles.
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A lover of bikes, with a diverse collection all across the country, Dhoni was provided with a gateway into learning about Chennai and its roads in 2008 itself. “From the first day, we gave him a bike, and he just disappeared. He drove all around the city,” Srinavasan said in Sportstar Conclave.
“Why he grew on Chennai and why Chennai grew on him was because on matchday you will turn around and suddenly see him on his bike,” he added. In the very first edition of the IPL, Dhoni guided a powerhouse CSK team to the final, although they lost it to Rajasthan Royals. “He has travelled the length and breadth of the city. That, in his own way, has endeared him to the city,” Srinivasan said.
{{/usCountry}}“Why he grew on Chennai and why Chennai grew on him was because on matchday you will turn around and suddenly see him on his bike,” he added. In the very first edition of the IPL, Dhoni guided a powerhouse CSK team to the final, although they lost it to Rajasthan Royals. “He has travelled the length and breadth of the city. That, in his own way, has endeared him to the city,” Srinivasan said.
{{/usCountry}}Dhoni has spoken in the past about how he intends to call a day on his career only at the Chepauk stadium in Chennai, otherwise, it wouldn’t feel right for him. He was reinstated as CSK captain after a poor start to the 2022 season, and he is likely to lead the team going into 2023 as well. We might be nearing the end of Dhoni’s tenure with CSK, but one thing will always remain true: Dhoni will be remembered as one of Chennai’s most iconic figures in any field.