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Dhoni was last seen in action on May 19, 2024, during CSK’s IPL 2024 match against RCB. There is still no clarity over his participation in IPL 2025.
MS Dhoni breaks silence on viral ‘Thala for a reason’ memes. (Picture Credit: Sportzpics)
From producing innumerable match-winning knocks to enthralling fans with his off-the-field charisma, MS Dhoni enjoys incredible fanfare around the world. Thanks to his impeccable decision-making and astute game-reading, Dhoni remains one of the finest captains ever to lead the Indian cricket team. Dhoni’s status is not much different on social media. Paying their reverence and homage, fans have often come up with some iconic and memorable phrases and trends as a tribute to the former Indian skipper. One such trend is “Thala for a reason,” which denotes Dhoni’s supreme leadership.
Dhoni is often called “Thala,” a Tamil word that means “head” or “leader.” Dhoni himself recently reacted to this viral trend and shared his opinion on it.
When asked if he knows about this trend and the reason behind its inception, the 43-year-old wicketkeeper-batter said, “I do know, but I don’t know the reason behind it. I’m not sure whether it’s funny, meant to pull my leg, just banter, or a meme. But whatever it is, I think my fans have turned it into something that is in my favour. That’s what I feel.”
Dhoni went on to add by saying, “I’ve got brilliant fans. I don’t need to open my mouth or say anything; they’re the ones if they feel somebody has been asking to me; they take care of it. I’m just keeping quiet and enjoying my life. I try to play good cricket, and that’s what matters to me.”
MS Dhoni about ‘THALA FOR A REASON’ trend :“I don’t know the reason behind it. I don’t know It’s funny or supposed to pull my leg or whatever it is. I think, MY FANS HAVE TURNED IT INTO MY FAVOR that’s what I feel. I HAVE GOT BRILLIANT FANS” ❤pic.twitter.com/S7hT43SZmK
— DHONI Trends™ (@TrendsDhoni) October 25, 2024
One of the most successful leaders to captain Team India, Dhoni announced his retirement from international cricket in 2020. Under Dhoni’s captaincy, the Indian cricket team won the T20 World Cup in 2007, the ODI World Cup in 2011, and the Champions Trophy in 2013.
In the domestic circuit, Dhoni’s achievements are no less magnificent. Dhoni has already led Chennai Super Kings to five Indian Premier League (IPL) titles. Dhoni had last time guided CSK to an IPL triumph in 2023. He relinquished leadership duties of the Chennai-based franchise ahead of this year’s edition of IPL.
Recently, there has been uncertainty around Dhoni’s participation in the next season of the IPL. It is still not known whether Dhoni will don the iconic yellow jersey of CSK once again in IPL 2025. October 31 is the deadline for the IPL franchises to submit their list of retained players.
