In 2008, a new wave descended on world cricket - a T20 league that would make the format global like never before. Yes, the IPL was out to make a mark and is here to stay. Certain icon players were chosen to lead the 8 sides that would take part in the inaugural edition.
CSK, a team from the south, got a man from the east to lead them. The skipper of India's ODI and T20I teams at that time - MS Dhoni was chosen to lead the Yellow Brigade. It would prove to be a masterstroke.
The main question would be - will fans from the South embrace a man from the East as one of their own? Five IPL titles and fifteen years later, the answer is yes and more. Not only has Captain Cool been embraced, but Chennai consider him one of their own. The true meaning of being Indian regardless of where one is from is shown clearly.?
In the early hours of May 30, CSK defeated GT by scoring the winning runs when the final ball was bowled. It resulted in them clinching a record-equalling fifth IPL title. The previous 4 came in 2010, 2011, 2018 and 2021. In 2008, Dhoni almost became the 1st skipper to win an IPL title. In 2010, he did become the 1st Indian skipper to do so. Not to mention winning 2 CLT20 titles in 2010 and 2014.?
What Dhoni means to CSK fans was shown when he came for the presentation and announced that he was not retiring yet and would take a call next year depending on his fitness. The approving roar of the crowd was proof of the love and respect they had for him.?
But it's not just the CSK fans. When CSK went to play games away from home, one saw opposition fans supporting the Yellow Brigade, or more specifically, Dhoni. Whenever Captain Cool took the field or walked out to bat, one saw opposing fans don the CSK jersey they had brought with them specifically for this reason. There was no doubt of Dhoni's popularity but the love and support he got during IPL 2023 was just at a whole new level.?
Indeed, when they were paired in 2008, it was a match made in heaven. CSK was suspended for a couple of seasons but once they were back, the fans were in full flow as Dhoni was back. In fact, many CSK fans supported RPSG for a couple of seasons just because Dhoni was playing for them. In fact, in 2017, they almost won the IPL.?
But at the end of the day, Dhoni and CSK are 2 peas in a pod. One must remember that when he was chosen to lead CSK, he was already a star and immensely popular in India. It only got better as his popularity soared to cult-like status and he was revered like a God. This is at par with the mass following of Sachin Tendulkar. If Sachin was what we aspired to be then Dhoni was what we identified ourselves with. The man was one of us, just an ordinary individual doing extraordinary things. ?????
If five IPL titles and 2 CLT20s are no enough then add 3 ICC titles and also the maiden No. 1 Test ranking to his cabinet and that just sums it up.
If 2024 proves to be his last outing for CSK, the fans will hope he ends it in a blaze of glory. It is a love story of well over a decade and it will continue even when Captain Cool stops playing. ?