'MI Fans Support Team, But CSK Fans Support MS Dhoni' - Ambati Rayudu

image-lpkqu2iyCSK fans hail Dhoni during IPL (Twitter)

Ambati Rayudu made an interesting remark on passionate fans of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by stating that the franchise would lose significant support in the absence of their legendary skipper MS Dhoni in the coming years. 

Rayudu, who played his Indian Premier League (IPL) with both franchises, believes five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) have a more loyal fanbase in terms of team support over individual cults. The retired middle-order veteran reckons CSK fans wouldn't fill half the stadium in Chepauk if Dhoni wasn't around. 

Speaking on 'BeerBiceps Podcast', the former India batter reminisced the times he soaked in praise and support from humongous CSK and MI fans and compared their attitude towards either side and individuals part of the winning juggernauts. 

Notably, CSK and MI form IPL's most high-intense rivalry as the two most successful franchises to date. Both the franchises have now lifted the coveted IPL crown five times apiece. 


CSK Fans Wouldn't Fill Half The Stadium Without Dhoni - Rayudu 

As Ranveer asked Rayudu to sum up the difference between the fanbases enjoyed by MI and CSK franchises, the ex middle-order batter insisted MI have a more loyal support cast in the stands as they wouldn't lose interest in the franchise even if one or two of their favourite players went out of the team. 

For CSK, Rayudu feels the fans wouldn't be so interested in donning the yellow and waving their flag if there was no Dhoni present to lead and bat for the franchise. 

"As a player, I can say they (Mumbai Indians fans) support the team more than one player," Rayudu said. "Chennai is very different, Chennai fans are Dhoni fans first and then they are of CSK."



"If Mahi bhai is not there, I don't think the stadium (MA Chidambaram Stadium) would be half full. They are all Mahi bhai's fans."