The Indian Premier League has always been a hotbed of controversy, and the latest spat between fans of Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni is no exception. Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh’s comments during a commentary session have ignited a firestorm on social media.
Harbhajan Singh’s statement that only MS Dhoni’s fans are “real” fans has ruffled the feathers of Kohli’s supporters. The controversy erupted during a commentary session for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru versus Kolkata Knight Riders match, which was eventually called off due to rain.
The Fallout
The backlash was swift and intense, with fans of both cricketing legends taking to social media to air their grievances. The debate quickly turned ugly, with some users branding Kohli a “national shame” and others defending Dhoni’s legacy.
Kohli’s fans felt that Harbhajan Singh’s comments were a slight not just against their idol but also against them. They took to social media to express their outrage, with many calling out Dhoni’s fans for being overly defensive.
On the other hand, Dhoni’s supporters rallied around their hero, with many defending him against what they saw as unfair criticism. The hashtag #NationalShameKohli started trending on X (formerly Twitter), with many users expressing their disappointment at Kohli’s perceived shortcomings.
The Bigger Picture
While the controversy has highlighted the intense rivalry between the fans of two cricketing legends, it’s also raised questions about the nature of fandom in the world of sports. Is it possible for fans to be fiercely loyal to their idols without denigrating others? The debate is ongoing, with no clear answers in sight.
As the dust settles, it’s worth noting that both Kohli and Dhoni are still actively involved in the IPL. Kohli’s RCB is currently topping the points table, while Dhoni’s CSK has already been eliminated from the playoffs.
One user on X wrote, “This man has given more to Indian cricket than most can dream of. Criticism is fine, but disrespecting a legend is not. Show some respect.”
#shameondeshdrohidhoni trending? Seriously? This man has given more to Indian cricket than most can dream of. Criticism is fine, but disrespecting a legend is not. Show some respect. #MSDhoni #LegendForever pic.twitter.com/jlhUFLXG93
— Kripasindhu Bhattacharya (@IamKripasindhu_) May 18, 2025
Where ever We go we are chennai boys,MSDins ❤️🤝 #NationalShameKohli
— Thalapaglu❤️ (@mr_mahii___) May 18, 2025