Image Source: X
[Saba Sports News] Fans of former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni were targeted by a scammer trying to exploit their admiration on social media. The fraudster impersonating Dhoni sent out messages claiming to be from him, asking for money to help him get home after purportedly forgetting his wallet. The message read: “Hi, I am MS Dhoni, I am messaging you from my private account. I am in Ranchi outskirts and I have forgotten my wallet. Can you PhonePe me ₹600 so I can return home by bus, will send back once I get home.” To lend credibility, the scammer even posted a photo of Dhoni, claiming it was a selfie and included the CSK slogan “Whistle Podu.”
The deceptive tactics didn’t go unnoticed, as a screenshot of these messages went viral on X, sparking a mix of reactions. Some netizens, not realizing it was a hoax, labeled Dhoni as “Kangla” and a “poster boy for scammers.”
Amidst this social media turmoil, Dhoni continued to shine in the IPL. He became the first player to score 5000 runs as a wicketkeeper-batter in the league, showcasing his enduring prowess. His explosive batting remained a highlight, particularly in matches against the Lucknow Super Giants and Mumbai Indians, where he played significant innings.
Despite relinquishing his captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad at the start of the season, Dhoni’s performances have drawn praise from cricketing legends like Sourav Ganguly, Wasim Jaffer, and Tom Moody. They emphasized his unique ability to deliver powerful hits in the final overs without regular match practice, underscoring his exceptional talent and enduring fitness at 42.