Chepauk's Whistles & Wankhede's Cheers: MS Dhoni's Eternal Bonds
Key Points
A heartfelt reflection on MS Dhoni’s favourite cricketing venues and the memories they hold.
Bhubaneswar/Chennai, Mar 25: Legendary cricketer MS Dhoni has shared his profound connection with Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium, naming it as one of his favourite cricketing venues alongside Chennai's iconic Chepauk. These two venues hold a special place in the heart of the former Indian skipper due to historic milestones and unmatchable fan support.
Recalling the glory of leading India to victory in the 2011 ICC ODI World Cup at Wankhede, Dhoni expressed his affection for the stadium during "The MS Dhoni Experience" on JioHotstar. While Chepauk remains dear to him due to its electric atmosphere and loyal Chennai Super Kings fans, Wankhede carries memories of triumph, including India's T20 World Cup reception in 2007.
"I wouldn't say I have a second favourite because we get the same kind of reception almost everywhere. Mumbai, I have a soft corner because in 2007, when we won the T20 World Cup, we came back here and got a very warm reception. The 2011 final was also here, and there are a lot of memories, so it has a special place in my heart," Dhoni.
Dhoni's illustrious IPL career, especially his association with CSK, has cemented his place in the hearts of fans across the country. Despite retiring from international cricket, the 'Thala' continues to cherish the immense love showered on him by fans, emphasizing their unwavering support as a way of saying "thank you."
"I have always said, it's a big ‘thank you’ from the fans' side. That's what I believe. Whatever last few years I'm in and I will be playing, it's a way of them saying, ‘Thank you very much for whatever you have done,’ and it's amazing. Especially when you play a sport, what you want is the appreciation of the fans. And when it comes to cricket, India is the place to play,” MS added.
The 43-year-old said that it’s impossible to pick one stadium in India, but Chepauk is special because "with the whistle, they are very loud". The former CSK skipper holds the record for hitting the most sixes in Chepauk. His tally stands at 74 in 70 matches. He has also scored 1,469 runs at a strike rate of 145.15, including 93 boundaries at the venue.
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