MS Dhoni: The IPL 2023 Story - 15 fan pictures that capture ‘Mahi mania’ in its full glory

The story of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 has been as much about intense tussles as it has been about Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain is undoubtedly one of the most popular cricketers across the globe and his fandom is of a completely different level.

Over the years, Dhoni lovers have set lofty standards when it comes to showering their affection on 'Thala'. The warmth for Dhoni, though, has touched new emotional heights in IPL 2023.

Although nothing is official yet, many fans and cricket pundits reckon that we might be seeing the last of the legend on the cricket field as a player. The outpouring of adoration for Dhoni has been a result of this thought.

The Dhoni-led lap of honor in Chepauk after CSK’s loss to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their last league game at home also hinted of a farewell.

As Dhoni prepares to lead Chennai Super Kings in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2023 against Gujarat Titans (GT) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Tuesday, May 23, the decibel levels of Dhoni mania are expected to rise further.

As we look forward to another memorable episode of ‘MSD fan craze’, here’s a compilation of 15 pictures from IPL 2023 that capture ‘Mahi mania’ in its full glory.

From kids to elders, Mahi mania has engulfed all age groups. (Pic: iplt20.com)

There are unconfirmed reports that IPL 2023 will be MS Dhoni’s last. (Pic: iplt20.com)

Fans have come up with some interesting word play to pay their tribute to the legend. (Pic: iplt20.com)

The 41-year-old CSK skipper has been showered by adulation in every game. (Pic: iplt20.com)

Fans have thronged IPL 2023 venues to get a glimpse of ‘Thala’. (Pic: iplt20.com)

Cricket fans are finding different ways to show their appreciation for MSD. (Pic: iplt20.com)

MS Dhoni retired from international cricket in 2020, but that hasn’t affected his fan following. (Pic: iplt20.com)

Chants of ‘Dhoni, Dhoni’ have reverberated around stadiums in every match CSK have played in IPL 2023. (Pic: iplt20.com)

The CSK skipper has been nursing a knee injury, but hasn’t disappointed his fans and has turned out in every match the team has featured in. (Pic: iplt20.com)

The 41-year-old CSK skipper has played some impressive cameos to cheer his admirers. (Pic: iplt20.com)

Many cricket experts reckon there is no reason why MSD cannot return to the IPL next year. (Pic: iplt20.com)

Under Dhoni, CSK have reached the playoffs for the 12th time. (Pic: iplt20.com)

CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan also believes that MSD can return to the IPL next year. (Pic: iplt20.com)

Under MSD, Chennai have won the IPL four times. (Pic: iplt20.com)

Under ‘Thala’, Chennai Super Kings finished second in the league stage in IPL 2023. (Pic: iplt20.com)

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Will IPL 2023 be MS Dhoni’s last season?

While Dhoni hasn’t official stated yet that IPL 2023 will be his last season, he has dropped hints that the end of his playing days are not too far.

After a game against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Chennai, Dhoni commented:

"All said and done, it's the last phase of my career, however long I play. After two years, the fans have had the opportunity to come here and watch, feels good to be here. Crowd has given us a lot of love and affection."

However, during an interaction with commentator Danny Morrison after the toss in one of the IPL 2023 league games, he refused to confirm that the ongoing season will be his last.

After Morrison asked Dhoni about his ‘swansong’, the legend cheekily replied that he hasn’t said this is his last season.

He told the former Kiwi pacer:

"You have decided it is my last IPL, not me."

Meanwhile, former CSK teammates Shane Watson and Suresh Raina, among others, have opined that there is no reason why the 41-year-old can’t return to the IPL next year.

Even franchise CEO Kasi Viswanathan chipped in on the debate a few days back and commented:

“We believe MS Dhoni is going to play next season as well.”

Irrespective of whether or not Dhoni returns next year to the IPL, the craze and fascination for the legend is unlikely to end anytime soon.