XtraTime Web Desk: Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni on Wednesday said he would prefer being called by his nickname ‘Thala’ by the fans down south. It has been a common sight over the last few seasons, every time Dhoni walked into Chepauk, fans start roaring ‘Thala’ ‘Thala’.
“It’s very special to get that kind of a nickname and it’s a big nickname that has been given to me. It feels really special. I never realized that it was part of the first song that was made on CSK. The way I got accepted, the whole of Tamil Nadu and down South, they never really call me by my name, it’s always Thala that they yell. So the moment I hear it I know it’s the fan of CSK. They have been very nice not only to me but to the whole team they always come and supported us.”
Dhoni acknowledged the fan support at Chepauk by hitting tennis balls into the stands after last night’s match against Delhi Capitals. The Yellow Army played their last league match at their den so it was a way to show gratitude towards the fans for their relentless support to CSK.
Thala was in a great mood following the emphatic 80 runs win over Delhi Capitals which sees them back to the top of the IPL points table. He was in his humorous best when he was asked about Imran Tahir’s celebration.
“It’s a great fun to watch him celebrate. We made it very clear that me and Watson are never coming to him once he gets a wicket because more often than not he runs to the other side. So with me and Watson, it’s a bit more difficult as we are not a hundred percent fit so why go out there and congratulate him. Good thing he finishes his lap and comes back to the same place that’s the time we say very well done,” said Dhoni.