Harbhajan Singh Stirs Controversy: 'MS Dhoni Has Real Fans, Others Have Paid Bots'
Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh sparked a social media storm by suggesting MS Dhoni has genuine fans, while others have paid bots. This comment has been widely interpreted as a dig at Virat Kohli.
Ms DhoniVirat KohliHarbhajan SinghIplSocial MediaReal Estate NewsMay 18, 2025
The incident unfolded ahead of Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL 2025 home game against Kolkata Knight Riders at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. While discussing MS Dhoni’s future in the IPL, Harbhajan not only backed the Chennai Super Kings icon to continue playing but also sparked debate with his opinion on fan loyalty in Indian cricket.
“He can play as long as he can. Had it been my team, I would have made a different decision. Fans will want him to continue playing. I feel he has a real fan base; the rest are all on social media, which are even paid fans. Leave them out, because if we start discussing that, the discussion will go in a different direction,” Harbhajan said.
The statement quickly went viral, with many interpreting it as a slight at Kohli, especially considering the timing Kohli was set to play his first match since announcing his sudden retirement from Test cricket just days earlier on May 12.
Fellow commentator and former cricketer Aakash Chopra, taken aback by the bluntness of Harbhajan’s words, responded with a quip of his own: “Itna sach nehi bolna tha (You weren’t supposed to be this honest),” to which Harbhajan replied, “Someone had to.”
Harbhajan’s comments on Dhoni, though overshadowed by the fan base controversy, also drew interest. Reacting to reports that Dhoni might extend his IPL career by another season, the former off-spinner offered his own perspective.
“He can play as long as he can. Had it been my team, I would have made a different decision. Fans will want him to continue playing,” Harbhajan said, highlighting the unmatched loyalty Dhoni enjoys among supporters.
The controversy has ignited a broader discussion about the nature of fan support in cricket, especially in the age of social media, where the line between genuine fans and paid bots can sometimes blur. Many cricket enthusiasts are now weighing in, sharing their views on the topic and the future of both Dhoni and Kohli in the sport.
While Harbhajan’s remarks have certainly stirred the pot, they have also brought to light the complex dynamics of fan loyalty and the role of social media in shaping public opinion in the world of cricket. Whether these comments will have a lasting impact on the relationships between the players and their fans remains to be seen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Harbhajan Singh say about MS Dhoni's fans?
Harbhajan Singh stated that MS Dhoni has real fans, while others have paid bots on social media.
When did this controversy start?
The controversy started during a Star Sports panel discussion ahead of an IPL 2025 match.
Who did Harbhajan's comments seem to target?
Many interpreted Harbhajan's comments as a veiled dig at Virat Kohli.
What was Aakash Chopra's response to Harbhajan's comment?
Aakash Chopra responded with a quip, saying, 'Itna sach nehi bolna tha (You weren’t supposed to be this honest).'
What was the context of Harbhajan's comments about MS Dhoni's future in the IPL?
Harbhajan was discussing reports that Dhoni might extend his IPL career by another season, suggesting that fans would want him to continue playing.
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