A pitch invader at the Narendra Modi Stadium during CSK’s IPL 2024 match against GT in Ahmedabad shared an unforgettable interaction with MS Dhoni, claiming that the cricket legend offered to take care of his surgery. This incident occurred when the fan, driven by an overwhelming desire to meet his idol, breached security and ran onto the field, attempting to hug the CSK captain. In a video that quickly went viral on May 10, Dhoni is seen engaging in a brief conversation with the fan before security escorted the intruder away.

During the game between CSK and GT, Dhoni initially tried to evade the pitch invader playfully before allowing the fan to approach him. The security personnel were prompt in their response, but the fan recounted that Dhoni instructed them to ensure he was removed safely.

“When I saw him, I surrendered myself with joy. I raised my hand in delight and chased him. Mahi bhai said, ‘I am trying to have fun here’,” the fan recounted in an interview with Focussed Indian.

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He added, “I was ecstatic. I touched his feet. He is a legend, and I had tears in my eyes. He asked me why I was breathing heavily. I had jumped the fence and ran onto the pitch, which left me breathless. I told him about a problem with my nose. He said, ‘I will take care of your surgery. Don’t worry. I will not let anything happen to you.'”

Throughout IPL 2024, MS Dhoni received immense adoration from fans across the country. After winning the IPL 2023 trophy, Dhoni had announced that the 2024 season would be a “return gift” to his fans. Despite battling a muscle injury, he played every game for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), whose supporters turned out in droves at all eight venues they played at, cheering passionately for their World Cup-winning captain.

Conversation between @msdhoni and fan 🥹💛

Fan told him he has some breathing issues and there is surgery of it. He wanted to meet him before surgery. Mahi replied “Teri surgery ka mai dekh lunga. Tujhe kuch nahi hoga, tu ghabara mat. Mai tujhe kuch nahi hone dunga” pic.twitter.com/wKz9aZOVGQ

— ` (@WorshipDhoni) May 29, 2024

In Chennai, the MA Chidambaram Stadium was filled to capacity, with CSK fans whistling and chanting for Dhoni. However, in CSK’s last league game of the season in Bengaluru, Dhoni was unable to deliver one of his signature finishes.

With 17 runs needed in the final over, Dhoni started strong with a six but was eventually dismissed by Yash Dayal, allowing RCB to clinch a thrilling victory and advance to the playoffs. MS Dhoni has not yet confirmed if IPL 2024 will be his final season as a player.

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Nonetheless, former cricketers such as Suresh Raina and Robin Uthappa have expressed their belief that Dhoni might be inclined to play one more season, especially given the recent heartbreak CSK experienced. The incident with the fan not only highlighted Dhoni’s immense popularity but also his compassionate nature, further endearing him to the millions who look up to him as a cricketing legend and a humble human being.