Virat Kohli has a paid fanbase? Ex-cricketer’s remarks on MS Dhoni trigger massive storm

Indian cricket has always thrived not just on the field but also in the emotionally charged theatre of fan loyalty. This sentiment took centre stage once again when former India spinner Harbhajan Singh suggested that MS Dhoni is the only cricketer with 'real fans', while others, without naming names, relied on 'paid fans and PR machinery'.

The comment, made during an IPL 2025 discussion on Star Sports, came just before the much-anticipated RCB vs KKR match in Bengaluru, which was eventually washed out. 

However, the rain couldn't dampen the controversy that had already gathered storm clouds online.

The unspoken name and fan interpretation

While Harbhajan stopped short of naming any individual, many interpreted his words as a veiled dig at Virat Kohli, especially given the context.

Kohli had just announced his retirement from Test cricket, and the same Bengaluru crowd that Harbhajan indirectly referenced had turned M. Chinnaswamy Stadium into a sea of white to honour his red-ball legacy.

Harbhajan Singh targets Virat Kohli for paid fans. pic.twitter.com/nig3XLUnId

— Tata IPL 2025 Commentary (@IPL2025Auction) May 18, 2025

🚨Harbhajan Singh: "Only Dhoni has real fans, others rely on social media bots." 😭

That’s a massive dig - Kohli fans in shambles! 😤
The GOAT debate just got spicier! 🍿#MSDhoni#ViratKohli#chinnaswamystadium#Chokli#RCBvsKKRpic.twitter.com/8sRGvlmfwi

— IndiaPulse: News & Trends (@IndiaPulseNow) May 17, 2025

This tribute came despite the match being abandoned. Thousands showed up wearing Kohli’s No. 18 Test jersey, a symbolic and spontaneous outpouring of admiration. The moment wasn’t orchestrated by sponsors or PR agencies but was born on social media and executed by everyday fans.

For many, Harbhajan’s comments felt dismissive of that genuine emotional connection.

ALSO READ: Not a single ball was bowled, but Virat Kohli still ‘won’ IPL 2025 RCB vs KKR washout

Fan wars reignited

In India, fan rivalries are tribal. From Sachin vs Dravid to Dhoni vs Kohli, debates often spiral into full-blown digital wars. But Harbhajan’s remarks seemed to do more than stir the pot as they questioned the authenticity of an entire generation of fans that grew up idolising Kohli.

The backlash was swift. Social media platforms were flooded with criticism, with many accusing Harbhajan of undermining Kohli’s popularity. Others pointed out the irony of making such comments days after witnessing the Chinnaswamy tribute, one of the most heartfelt gestures in recent cricket memory.

Beyond personal loyalties: the larger question

At the heart of the controversy lies a larger conversation about what constitutes a ‘real fan’ in today’s cricketing landscape. Is fan loyalty confined to ticket stubs, in-person attendance, and vocal cheers? Or does it extend to the digital world of likes, reels, and fan art on social media platforms?

While Dhoni’s following is undoubtedly iconic, the evolution of fandom in the digital age has made it diverse. Kohli's appeal spans formats, continents, and age groups. His fans have celebrated milestones, defended slumps, and organised tributes without central coordination, proof of a community, not a campaign.

ALSO READ: Memes flood Internet over likelihood of MS Dhoni playing IPL 2026

The unsaid truth about both legends

Both Dhoni and Kohli have shaped Indian cricket in profound ways. Dhoni brought composure, strategy, and silverware; Kohli introduced intensity, discipline, and an unmatched chase instinct. Comparing their fandoms isn’t just futile, and it’s unfair to both legacies.

Harbhajan Singh may have expressed a personal sentiment, but his timing and framing have added fuel to a longstanding and polarising debate in Indian cricket.