Ambati Rayudu questions CSK fans' unwavering obsession with MS Dhoni
What's the story
Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu has expressed his concerns over the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fanbase's overzealousness toward MS Dhoni.
Rayudu believes this obsession with the legendary wicketkeeper-batter doesn't do the franchise any good.
He opened up about it in an interview with ESPNcricinfo, where he explained how this 'strange' behavior could be overwhelming for newcomers to CSK and could even hurt the game itself.
Here's more.
Player sentiments
Rayudu questions the crowd's fixation on Dhoni
Rayudu also pointed out that this obsession with Dhoni has resulted in instances where fans want CSK players to get out early just to see Dhoni bat.
"It's been happening for quite a few years now... a lot of people used to feel that the crowd... are anticipating or expecting you to get out," he said.
He stressed all players give their best for the team and sacrifice, and such behavior from their own crowd can be disheartening.
Solution proposed
Rayudu suggests Dhoni should address crowd behavior
Rayudu suggested that Dhoni could take matters into his own hands by reminding fans that all players are equally important.
"If he comes out and says, 'they are all our players, and just like me batting they are batting in the middle,' or something like that to soothe the crowd, it will be great for the players," he said.
He also warned CSK to prepare for a future without Dhoni as their focal point.
Franchise concerns
CSK's future without Dhoni
Rayudu expressed concerns that CSK have not built another player to pull crowds like Dhoni.
"They have not built up any other guy in the franchise to pull the crowds, because it has always revolved around MS Dhoni," he said.
He warned this could affect the team's branding and crowd attendance when Dhoni retires, hinting CSK would have to think out of the box to keep their popularity and fan engagement post-Dhoni era.