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[Saba Sports News] Ex-cricketers Matthew Hayden and Irfan Pathan offered insights into the distinct characteristics and profound influences of two major Indian Premier League franchises, the Mumbai Indians and the Chennai Super Kings.
Matthew Hayden, the former Australian batsman, praised Chennai Super Kings’ outstanding talent scouting, particularly noting its extensive network in Tamil Nadu. He emphasized the CSK fan base’s enthusiasm, which extends beyond the fame of MS Dhoni, likening it to the fervent support of Mumbai Indians’ fans. Speaking to Star Sports during the MI vs CSK Ultimate Team debate, Hayden remarked on the fan’s passion and the discovery of popular players like Ravindra Jadeja. He recalled how fans followed CSK even when the team played in Pune, demonstrating their deep emotional connection to cricket.
Hayden also commented on CSK’s effective talent development, contrasting it with Mumbai Indians’ approach. He listed several Tamil Nadu cricketers who, although not part of CSK, are products of the region’s cricket culture and fan support. He described this as a legacy-building effort, reaching even to the grassroots level of cricket.
“Well, they love heroes and MS Dhoni is one of those heroes. But they also love cricket, and what they are, and it’s similar to Mumbai Indians, to the credit of Mumbai Indians, is that they are superior cricket fans. You heard the passion of the fans and how they even find Jadeja, for example, to be so popular in their eyes. So it’s that passion, that energy, that motivation,”, Hayden shared. “I mean even when Chennai weren’t even in the IPL, who remembers the Whistle Podu train following them to Pune in Maharashtra to actually follow MS Dhoni. So, it’s just the passion, the emotion for cricket which is higher than any other franchise.”
“The thing for me is Mumbai Indians are great at building an ivory tower and when you look at Chennai Super Kings and Tamil Nadu in general, I’ll just throw in a few names who aren’t playing for CSK – Jagadeeshan, Natarajan, Shahrukh Khan, Washington Sundar, Vijay, Chakravarthy, Sai Sudarshan, Sai Kishor…I mean, Tamil Nadu cricket and the fan base that supports Chennai Super Kings, in that scouting system is second to none in the world. Its passion for the game, and not just in that one man, MS Dhoni, who we all know is the most famous person in the IPL, but they are building a legacy and spreading the ivory tower until even gully cricket is a scoop drain for CSK and the support network it reaches out to as a franchise.”
Reflecting on his retirement and CSK’s lasting impact, Hayden asserted that players like Dhoni, himself, and Suresh Raina will always be cherished by fans, underlining the enduring legacy of the franchise. He fondly recalled winning the title in 2010 at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium and noted that even after retirement, the passion and connection with former players persist. He emphasized that Dhoni’s legacy with CSK is eternal, with player legacies ingrained in the fabric of the franchise and deeply valued by its supporters.
“I retired in 2010 after we won the title, in the backyard of Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium. And even when one’s retired, yes, I have been in commentary and working on the game, there is still this great passion and energy for the ex-players. So, I just want to reinforce that point that MS Dhoni will never retire from CSK. His number is 1, Hayden is number 2, and Raina is number 3 and so on it goes, it just shows that the legacy is there in the clubhouse, at Chepauk Stadium, and that’s what fans gravitate to. They love the success, they love the individuals, and they will never ever leave you behind.”