The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season has witnessed not just thrilling cricket matches but also intense fan rivalries. The latest controversy erupted when former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh made a statement during a show, claiming that only MS Dhoni has “real fans,” while suggesting that other cricketers’ supporters are merely “social media or paid fans”.
This remark did not sit well with fans of Virat Kohli, leading to a social media storm. Kohli’s supporters took to X (formerly Twitter) with the hashtag #ShameOnDeshdrohiDhoni, accusing Dhoni of disloyalty. In retaliation, Dhoni’s fans launched the hashtag #NationalShameKohli, referencing unverified reports about Kohli potentially signing with English county side Middlesex.
The Fan War Unfolds
The online clash between Dhoni and Kohli fans escalated rapidly. While both cricketers have always shared mutual respect, their fanbases engaged in a heated exchange, flooding social media platforms with memes, accusations, and counter-hashtags.
Notably, there is no official confirmation regarding Kohli’s alleged move to Middlesex, making the basis of the ‘#NationalShameKohli’ trend speculative at best.
IPL 2025: Contrasting Fortunes
Amidst the online turmoil, the IPL 2025 season has seen contrasting performances from the teams led by the two stalwarts.
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): Under Kohli’s leadership, RCB sits at the top of the points table and is on the verge of securing a Playoff spot.
- Chennai Super Kings (CSK): Dhoni’s CSK has been officially eliminated from the Playoff race after a loss to Punjab Kings, marking a disappointing end to their campaign.
The Bigger Picture
This incident underscores the passionate, and sometimes toxic, nature of cricket fandom in India. While healthy rivalries can enhance the sport’s appeal, personal attacks and unfounded accusations detract from the spirit of the game.
Both MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli have been exemplary ambassadors for Indian cricket. It’s essential for fans to celebrate their contributions rather than engage in divisive behavior.
Sources: CricTracker, Free Press Journal
