Chennai Super Kings fans at Chepauk (Photo – Sportzpics)
While it was an exciting moment for the fans, it was also bitter sweet considering that this could be the last one in Chennai that they get to see him in action.
The MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai was packed with CSK fans on Tuesday, but there was a look of sadness on their painted faces: this could be the last time they will be seen in their yellow jersey as CSK captain in their ‘Thala’ Can see
Around 40,000 fans attended the qualifier match between Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans on Tuesday. Almost every other fan boasted of some sort of Dhoni signage, be it his number 7 jersey or other merchandise painted on his brand image.
Dhoni’s bond with his fans in Chennai spans across all age groups, and is prominent among the aspiring youngsters, who said they came to the stadium just to catch a glimpse of him.
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Fans continuously chanted his name as they walked close to the stadium’s entrance, waving flags and blowing yellow whistles.
“I bunked class and I have an exam tomorrow but I still came to see my ‘Thala’. I am lucky that I got tickets for this qualifier match. 19-year-old Srikkanth said, can’t miss Thala live at the stadium.
Inside the stadium, it is a constant noise of “Whistle Podu of Chennai Super Kings”. Children as young as 4-5 years old rushed through the entrance to grab their seats before the start of the match. The yellow jersey, completely unfazed by the new chaotic surroundings, was a testament to the devotion to CSK and Dhoni by the people of the city. A couple brought their 2.5-year-old son and 4-year-old daughter to the game, both dressed in CSK jerseys and playing whistles.
“I came for Dhoni,” said a schoolboy, who was accompanied by his father. “This is my only chance as I don’t know if I will get a chance to see Dhoni play next season or not. I didn’t want to miss this season as the suspense is still on.”
As might be expected, Dhoni’s pan-national appeal attracted fans from northern states and neighboring states including Andhra Pradesh. “I am from Chandigarh. I traveled all the way for Dhoni. I will also travel to Thala to watch the final as I am sure CSK will win the IPL cup for the fifth time. 1000 km from Chepauk to watch the match live.
While it was an exciting moment for the fans, it was also bitter sweet considering that this could be the last one in Chennai that they get to see him in action. The fans are still hopeful that Dhoni will continue to play next season as well.
“I am sure he will play next time as well. He may be 41 but he is still a great player. My favorite moment this season was the first match when he hit two sixes and got out. The way I love the way he finishes games,” said one college student.
Now it has to be seen whether Tuesday’s match will be the last match for Dhoni or not. But what can be considered forever is the love he found in the southern city, which he has said many times that he will cherish forever.
