The cricketing world was recently shaken—not by a match result, but by a digital storm. A fan war between supporters of Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni escalated into a nationwide frenzy, igniting social media platforms and sparking heated debates across the country.
???? The Spark: Harbhajan Singh’s Controversial Comment
The chaos began when former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh made a bold statement during a televised segment, claiming that “only Dhoni has real fans, others are just social media bots.” This remark was perceived as a direct jab at Kohli’s massive online following, triggering an immediate backlash.
???? Online Warfare: Hashtags and Insults Fly
Within hours, X (formerly Twitter) was flooded with derogatory hashtags:
#DeshdrohiDhoni – Kohli fans accused Dhoni of being unpatriotic.
#NationalShameKohli – Dhoni fans retaliated by questioning Kohli’s rumored county cricket stint in England.
The insults weren’t limited to digital jabs. Memes, edited videos, and even fake news began circulating, further fueling the fire.
????️ Stadium Tensions: RCB vs CSK Match Fallout
The rivalry spilled into real life during the RCB vs CSK IPL 2025 clash at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Kohli fans turned up in India Test jerseys to honor his retirement from red-ball cricket, while Dhoni supporters responded with chants and banners mocking Kohli’s leadership. The match itself was washed out due to rain, but the atmosphere remained charged.
???? Fanbase Showdown: King vs Thala
A poll conducted by Star Sports titled “King vs Thala” added fuel to the fire. While Kohli leads in Instagram followers with over 250 million, Dhoni’s fanbase remains fiercely loyal and vocal. The poll results were neck-and-neck, but the emotional investment from both sides made it more than just numbers—it became a battle of legacy.
????♂️ The Bigger Picture: Cricket Beyond Rivalries
While fan passion is integral to sports, this episode highlights the darker side of idol worship. Both Kohli and Dhoni have contributed immensely to Indian cricket, and such divisive behavior undermines the spirit of the game.
As of now, neither player has publicly addressed the fan war, choosing to stay focused on their respective careers. But perhaps it’s time for fans to take a cue from their icons—and let the bat and ball do the talking.
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