M S Dhoni smiles brightly as CSK fans gift their ‘Thala’ a miniature Chepauk stadium model. Watch

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“The craze for MS Dhoni is on another level,” read the caption of the clip. The text insert in the clip said, “Thala Dhoni Received A Miniature Model of Chepauk Stadium From A Fan Craze Level: MS Dhoni.”

The fan’s gesture won hearts online. A user commented, “Hez one kinda of player who nobody wants to see him retire …. everyone just relates his life nd struggles with his own.” Another user wrote, “Take a bow. Who made this.” A third user commented, “Incredible and see our dhoni reaction. he is soo surprised too see this kind of gift.”

The former Indian cricket team captain who quit international cricket nearly four years ago will likely play his last competitive game this time. He is much revered and admired by cricket fans in Tamil Nadu who affectionately call him ‘Thala’ meaning ‘leader’ in Tamil. He masterminded CSK’s four successful campaigns in the IPL and has left an indelible mark among fans in Tamil Nadu. The 41-year-old led the Indian cricket team to the T20 World Cup title in 2007 and the 50-over crown four years later.