Mahendra Singh Dhoni captivated fans in Madurai on Thursday, once again showcasing why he remains one of Indian cricket’s most iconic and beloved figures, despite having retired from international cricket several years ago.
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and India legend was in the city to inaugurate the newly constructed Velammal Cricket Stadium.
A massive crowd gathered at the venue, eager to catch a glimpse of the two-time World Cup-winning captain.
MS DHONI BATTING AT THE NEW MADURAI STADIUM. pic.twitter.com/r6xwHlRt1i
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 9, 2025
Viral videos on social media captured Dhoni’s arrival at Madurai airport, where he was seen amid tight security, casually dressed in a black T-shirt and blue jeans, before making his way to the stadium. At the inauguration, Dhoni greeted fans while riding a buggy across the ground, receiving a grand welcome with fireworks and loud chants filling the air. The 44-year-old also padded up briefly, sending a few deliveries soaring into the stands. In a heartwarming moment, a young fan ran onto the field to touch Dhoni’s feet.
Dhoni, who last captained CSK in the IPL 2025 season in place of regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, has not played any competitive cricket since the tournament ended.
A little boy touched MS Dhoni's feet in the stadium 🥹❤️ pic.twitter.com/eRc94Fl30D
— ` (@WorshipDhoni) October 9, 2025
His visit to Madurai came just a day after he completed the DGCA Drone Pilot Certification programme with Garuda Aerospace, officially becoming a licensed drone pilot. Earlier this week, Dhoni also went viral for wearing a Mumbai Indians jersey during a casual football match, once again reminding fans of his enduring ability to generate buzz.