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Harbhajan Singh's Comment on 'Real Fans' of Dhoni Fuels Online Backlash

During an IPL 2025 panel, Harbhajan Singh's remark contrasting MS Dhoni's 'real fans' with 'paid' social media followers sparked accusations of a veiled dig at Virat Kohli.

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MS Dhoni has real fan base, rest all have paid fans on social media: Harbhajan Singh
Did Harbhajan Singh take a dig at Virat Kohli?
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Overview

  • Harbhajan Singh stated during a Star Sports panel that MS Dhoni has a 'real fan base,' while others, implying cricketers like Virat Kohli, rely on 'paid fans' on social media.
  • Many fans interpreted the remark as a veiled criticism of Virat Kohli, igniting a heated debate on social media about fan loyalty in Indian cricket.
  • Aakash Chopra, also on the panel, reacted humorously to Harbhajan's bluntness, saying, 'Itna sach nehi bolna tha (You weren’t supposed to be this honest).'
  • The comment comes shortly after Virat Kohli's surprise Test retirement announcement on May 12, with fans at Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium paying tribute by wearing his No. 18 Test jersey.
  • The controversy underscores the passionate rivalries and media-driven narratives that dominate the IPL era, with Harbhajan also advocating for Dhoni to continue in the IPL as long as possible.