IPL 2025: Harbhajan Singh Says MS Dhoni Has Real Fans, Others Are Just Paid Followers

Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh said that it's the true fans who want to see MS Dhoni keep playing for Chennai Super Kings. He added that these are the real supporters, unlike some people on social media who seem like ‘paid fans’. Harbhajan didn’t take any names, but made it clear that not all support online is genuine.

Harbhajan shared his thoughts on Saturday, May 17, while attending the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s home game against Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL 2025.

Harbhajan Singh Says Dhoni Has Real Fans, Others Just Have Paid Followers

Harbhajan told Star Sports that if Dhoni were playing for his team, he might’ve handled the decision about his future in Chennai differently. But he also believes Dhoni should keep playing for as long as he’s able. The talk then turned to what the fans feel, and Harbhajan said that people really want Dhoni to keep playing.

"If any cricketer has real fans, it's Dhoni. The rest are paid," Harbhajan said.

harbhajan singhin-directly Targeted Virat fans? as Paid instagram fans#chinnaswamystadium #RcbvsKkr pic.twitter.com/KYZygETjbP

— 👑 King Kohli Fan Page (@Hracingchannel) May 17, 2025

"Kitna bacha hua hai aur jab tak dum hai khelo bhai. Meri team hoti to shayad main kuch aur decision leta," Harbhajan said during the show."Aur seedhi si baat hai fan to chahenge kyunki unke fan jo hai. Mujhe lagta hai ki sabse zyada fan agar asal wale fan jo hai wo unke hi hai (CSK). Baaki to ye bane banaye hai jo aajkal social media aadha to paid hi chalta hai par ye inke fan jo hai wo asali hai. Inke jo fan hai wo sahi mein fan hai. Baaki yahan wahan jo aap number dekhte ho wo chhodiye number unke upar kabhi baithenge to charcha karenge," he added.

"MS Dhoni iss baar dekhein to accha khele hain, theek thaak khele," he added. 

Dhoni Likely to Continue as CSK Plans Rebuild After Worst Season

Even though fans have been expecting IPL 2025 to be Dhoni’s farewell season, especially after a strange year where his team was the first to get knocked out, it still doesn’t feel like the end just yet.

According to reports, this year will not be the end of the road for Dhoni. There is a young core that is required to settle down, and the franchise needs to come close to where it was till two years back, when they became champions for a record-equalling fifth time. The team has got a massive wake up call this season, which has been their worst-ever in Indian Premier League history.

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