Chennai Super Kings (CSK) all-rounder Jamie Overton shared an anecdote highlighting the immense popularity of the legendary MS Dhoni in the ongoing IPL 2025 season. The star English cricketer Overton revealed that he was so captivated by the experience of watching MS Dhoni walk out to bat that he immediately texted his father, urging him to witness it firsthand. The enthusiasm surrounding Dhoni this IPL season appears to be unprecedented, with stadiums resonating with louder cheers whenever the celebrated wicketkeeper-batsman makes his way to the crease.
Jamie Overton recalls texting his father to see MS Dhoni walking into the middle during an IPL match
Following his debut home game for CSK, Overton recounted messaging his father and agent to convey the electrifying atmosphere at Chepauk when Dhoni came to bat. Overton admitted to being astonished by the sheer volume of the crowd's applause after Ravindra Jadeja's dismissal, as the anticipation for Dhoni's arrival filled the stadium. Despite having attended numerous other sporting events, including Premier League matches, Overton asserted that he had never before encountered such an overwhelming outpouring of sound.
"I messaged my dad and my agent after the first home game. I was like, 'You have to come out and experience MS walking out to the middle. [Ravindra] Jadeja got run-out and you had a home crowd cheering for someone to get run-out. I've watched Premier League games, plenty of other sports events, and there's nothing else like that noise," Overton told ESPNCricinfo.
Jamie Overton also offered insights into his experience observing MS Dhoni during net practice. Overton mentioned that he has been able to glean valuable advice from the veteran cricketer. Moreover, the all-rounder expressed confidence in the current state of his own batting form.
"He holds the bat quite low with his hands, whereas I'm more an English or Australian version, with quite high hands. The spinners don't get as much bounce [in India] so I'm trying to be a bit lower, with my hands a bit more relaxed... I feel like I'm in a good place with my batting," Overton added.
Dhoni was re-appointed as CSK captain in middle of the IPL 2025 after Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out of the season. CSK didn't have the best of the season in IPL 2025 as they are currently reeling at the bottom of the points table and are staring at early elimination. CSK will next face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the MA Chidambaram stadium on April 24.