Mahendra Singh Dhoni enthralled fans in Madurai on Thursday, proving why he is one of the most influential and revered figures in Indian cricket, despite retiring from international cricket years ago.
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Indian cricket legend visited Madurai to inaugurate the newly built Velammal Cricket Stadium.
Fans flocked to the venue in large numbers, eager to see the two-time World Cup-winning captain.
Videos on social media went viral, which showed Dhoni stepping out of Madurai airport amid heavy security, casually dressed in a black T-shirt and blue jeans, before heading to the venue. Dhoni greeted his fans at the inauguration, riding a buggy across the stadium, and receiving a hero’s welcome with fireworks and chants echoing through the ground. There, the 44-year-old faced a few deliveries, launching the balls into the newly-built stadium. A young fan also ran onto the field to touch Thala’s feet.
WATCH:
MS Dhoni’s airport arrivals are always iconic. 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/Su3Vsi1ZUQ
— ` (@WorshipDhoni) October 9, 2025
Big roar for MS Dhoni in Madurai International Cricket Stadium ❤️ pic.twitter.com/hS0S9GrOHj
— ` (@WorshipDhoni) October 9, 2025
The crowd response during MS Dhoni’s speech 🔥🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/UIA64NziYo
— ` (@WorshipDhoni) October 9, 2025
Big roar for MS Dhoni in Madurai International Cricket Stadium ❤️ pic.twitter.com/hS0S9GrOHj
— ` (@WorshipDhoni) October 9, 2025
MS DHONI INAUGURATED THE INTERNATIONAL CRICKET STADIUM IN MADURAI. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/gqSELQPzEC
— ` (@WorshipDhoni) October 9, 2025
MS Dhoni played few balls after inaugurating the stadium 😂🔥 pic.twitter.com/gIudR3cxbz
— ` (@WorshipDhoni) October 9, 2025
A little boy touched MS Dhoni’s feet in the stadium 🥹❤️ pic.twitter.com/eRc94Fl30D
— ` (@WorshipDhoni) October 9, 2025
The new Velammal Cricket Stadium, inaugurated by Dhoni, boasts world-class infrastructure, including a Centre of Excellence and dedicated practice nets. Reports indicate that the stadium, which cost around ₹325 crore to build, spans across 11.5 acres near Velammal Hospital on Chinthamani Ring Road. The venue currently accommodates around 7,300 spectators, with plans to expand its capacity to 20,000. Equipped with a modern drainage system, advanced floodlights, and high-end security measures, the facility aims to become a major cricket hub in Tamil Nadu. While it is expected to host Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) and Ranji Trophy matches, international and IPL fixtures are unlikely for now.
Dhoni, who last led CSK in IPL 2025 in the absence of regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, has not participated in any competitive cricket since the season ended.
MSD’s Madurai visit came a day after he completed the DGCA Drone Pilot Certification programme with Garuda Aerospace, earning an official drone pilot licence. Earlier this week, he also went viral for sporting a Mumbai Indians jersey during a casual football game, reminding fans that the legend still knows how to keep everyone talking.
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