[Watch] "My fans have turned it into something that's in my favor" - MS Dhoni opens up on 'Thala for a reason' meme
Former Team India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni recently reacted to the viral 'Thala for a reason' meme, which has been a rage on social media. Dhoni has been named 'Thala' by his fans.
'Thala' means 'head' or 'leader' in Tamil language. Opening up on the meme, Dhoni mentioned that he wasn't sure if it was in banter or not. He, however, suggested that his fans have turned the trend in his favor.
Lavishing praise on his die-hard supporters, the veteran wicketkeeper-batter stated that he doesn't need to respond to criticism as his fans usually take care of it. Speaking at an event called Rigi Prabhav 2024, here's what Dhoni said after being asked about the 'Thala for a reason' trend:
"I am aware but I don't know the reason behind it. I don't know if it's funny or it is supposed to pull my leg or it's banter, whatever it is. I think my fans have turned it into something that's in my favor, that's what I feel. I've got brilliant fans, that's what I'd say. I don't need to open my mouth or say anything. They're the ones if they feel somebody has been nasty to me, they take care of it. So, I'm just keeping quiet and enjoy my life and try to play good cricket."
It is worth mentioning that MS Dhoni is one of the investors of the Bengaluru-based company Rigi. Last year, he invested an undisclosed amount in Rigi, a SaaS platform for content creators.
"If he’s available, he would certainly be the team’s first choice for retention"- Harbhajan Singh on MS Dhoni's IPL future
MS Dhoni handed over the CSK captaincy reins to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL). The five-time champions finished fifth in the points table, narrowly missing out on the playoffs spot due to net run rate.
Despite batting lower down the batting order in most games, Dhoni dazzled the viewers with his quick-fire cameos, scoring 161 runs across 73 balls. There is no official confirmation as of now regarding the seasoned campaigner's availability for IPL 2025.
While CSK will now be able to retain Dhoni for ₹4 crore due to the uncapped player rule, former Team India spinner Harbhajan Singh opined that the 43-year-old will be CSK's first-choice retention if he is available.
Harbhajan was quoted as saying by India Today:
"I’m not certain if Dhoni will play or not, but if he’s available, he would certainly be the team’s first choice for retention, even if he is considered an uncapped player this season. Following him, the next pick would be Ravindra Jadeja, then Rachin Ravindra. As for the captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, he would also be a definite retention."
As per retention rules, an Indian cricketer can be retained as an uncapped player if he hasn't featured in international cricket in the last five years. If MS Dhoni is CSK's first-choice retention, he will draw a salary of ₹18 crore.