MS Dhoni brings everyone together at Chennai Super Kings in IPL: Ambati Rayudu

Former CSK batter Ambati Rayudu said that Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni's leadership transcends the boundaries of the cricket field to unite players and fans alike in a bond that feels as comfortable and welcoming as one's living room.

Rayudu described the team environment as homely and approachable, akin to one's living room as he noted that even in hotels, fans are allowed to interact with the players and watch them train, fostering a sense of connection.

"The biggest connect is CSK being CSK. They are very homely. It's like sitting in your living room. That's how CSK is. They are very approachable, even when you are staying in a hotel, people will come and click pictures with you fans will come and meet you. They allow people to meet the players and watch training so there is a sense of connect and they make the fans feel that it's their own team," Rayudu said during the 'Star Sports Press Room.

Rayudu concluded by emphasizing that most fans are first and foremost fans of Dhoni, who serves as a unifying figure for the team and its supporters, irrespective of their linguistic or geographical backgrounds. Dhoni is gearing up for what many feel could be his final campaign in the famous yellow jersey as CSK chase their record-breaking 6th IPL title.

"Fans feel like they are playing in the team. They are part of the team and that's what makes the CSK family whole lot bigger, and now it's spread across the world, they have a huge fan base and most importantly they are MS Dhoni fans first, and then CSK fans it's not the other way around. It's he who brings everybody together be it the Tamil speaking population or anyone around the world. He is that one pillar who everybody looks up to," Rayudu added.