‘Daunting for a Newcomer’: Ambati Rayudu Highlights Problems With How Fans View MS Dhoni, Claims It’s Harmful to the Sport

Former Team India cricketer Ambati Rayudu believes the Chennai Super Kings' obsession with MS Dhoni could be harmful to the sport, as it does not serve the game well. He added that the fans' craze over MSD could affect other batters as they are eagerly rooting for Dhoni to come out and bat and are anticipating the batters on strike to lose their wicket so that they could see the IPL 's top crowd-puller bat. Rayudu also emphasized that it could be harmful to the Chennai Super Kings' branding as they may find it difficult to lure the fans in after he retires from the IPL.

Ambati Rayudu Flags The Issues With Fans' Obsession Over CSK

MS Dhoni has been one of the biggest attractions over the years in IPL. He has been a part of the Chennai Super Kings and they have developed him as the face of the franchise over the years. A sea of yellow takes over the stadium whenever the Super Kings are playing, and the fans go wild once Dhoni comes out to bat. Ambati Rayudu, who was once MSD's teammate in Chennai, believes the franchise would take a hit once he retires and how daunting it is for the batters on strike to deal with the obsessed Dhoni fans.

"It is quite daunting if you're a newcomer. It's quite loud. The support is phenomenal. But, as you go on and play, then you realise they are MS Dhoni fans before they are CSK fans.

"...but internally, a lot of people used to feel that the crowd even though we also love MS Dhoni, and they also love MS Dhoni and we want to see him bat, but sometimes when you, as an individual, are going out to bat they are shouting from the crowd to… literally asking you to get out. Or they are anticipating or expecting you to get out. So it is quite strange, and I don't think it actually serves the game well to be very honest," Ambati Rayudu said as per ESPNCricinfo.

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Fans Went Berserk Over MS Dhoni's 2-Ball Cameo

The IPL El Clasico saw the Chennai Super Kings pick up a comprehensive win over Mumbai Indians, and the fans witnessed MS Dhoni's cameo at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Dhoni came out to bat in the final stages and he faced just two balls as Rachin Ravindra smacked the winning runs.

Chepauk went berserk upon seeing Dhoni all padded up and walking out to bat after Ravindra Jadeja was dismissed via a run-out. The cameo appearance was an enchanting experience for the fans as they saw the face of the franchise in action. He didn't have to do any heavy work as Rachin and skipper Gaikwad had already done the heavy work and had the win in their hands.

With Chennai Super Kings' second clash happening at Chepauk, fans would be rooting for MSD to bat against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru today at 07:30 PM IST.

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