Some IPL players attract fanbases that go beyond the usual cricket admiration—fans who are drawn not just to performance but to personality, underdog spirit, loyalty, or pure charisma. These unique fanbases often create cult-like followings, memes, chants, and movements that extend far beyond the field.
Here are the IPL players with the most unique fanbases, and why their fandoms stand out:
🟡 1. MS Dhoni – Chennai Super Kings
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Fanbase: Thala Army (literally meaning "leader")
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Why Unique:
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It’s not just cricket—it’s reverence. Dhoni fans worship him for his calmness, humility, leadership, and loyalty to CSK. You’ll see yellow jerseys in any stadium CSK plays, even away games.
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Mass appeal across age groups, with grandmothers, children, and even non-cricket fans idolizing him.
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Even his silences go viral.
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Fan moments: Candle marches when CSK was suspended, emotional tributes when Dhoni hinted at retirement.
🔴 2. Virat Kohli – Royal Challengers Bangalore
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Fanbase: Kohlians / King Kohli fans
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Why Unique:
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Fierce, loyal, and extremely vocal—Kohli fans treat every IPL season like a redemption arc.
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They’re obsessed with his passion, intensity, and unmatched consistency.
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His winless title run is seen not as a failure but as a rallying cry.
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Fan moments: Social media trends like #EeSalaCupNamde, thousands of fans wearing his jersey even in neutral matches.
🟣 3. AB de Villiers – Royal Challengers Bangalore
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Fanbase: Mr. 360 worshippers
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Why Unique:
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He’s a foreign player with homegrown love—treated like one of India’s own.
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His humility and unorthodox batting made him a cult hero, especially among kids.
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Even rival fans stood up when he performed.
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Fan moments: Loudest cheers at Chinnaswamy even post-retirement, murals and tributes all over Bengaluru.
🟠 4. Suresh Raina – Chennai Super Kings
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Fanbase: Chinna Thala (Deputy Leader) followers
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Why Unique:
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Loved for his consistency, fielding brilliance, and being Dhoni’s right-hand man.
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CSK fans consider him part of the family, not just a player.
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His IPL absence was met with genuine heartbreak from fans.
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Fan moments: Emotional send-off in 2021, constant Twitter campaigns demanding his return.
🔵 5. Rinku Singh – Kolkata Knight Riders
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Fanbase: The Underdog Lovers
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Why Unique:
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Represents dreams of the working-class hero—a rags-to-riches tale with heart.
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His 5 sixes in 5 balls moment made him an instant IPL legend.
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He’s humble, grounded, and fans love him not just for cricket, but who he is off the field.
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Fan moments: Fans calling him “Son of KKR”, creating fan art, street graffiti in UP.
🟣 6. Andre Russell – Kolkata Knight Riders
🔴 7. Chris Gayle – RCB / PBKS
🟡 8. Ravindra Jadeja – CSK
🟢 9. Rahul Tewatia – Gujarat Titans / Rajasthan Royals
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Fanbase: Miracle Believers
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Why Unique:
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One of the most unexpected cult heroes—his comebacks in impossible situations have made him a symbol of belief.
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Not a star, not a regular match-winner—but when he wins, it's epic.
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Fan moments: "Tewatia Time" memes, fans comparing him to anime protagonists.
🔴 10. Dinesh Karthik – RCB / Multiple Teams
✨ Honorable Mentions:
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Sanju Samson (RR): Loved for his elegance, fanbase compares him to aesthetic artists.
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Harbhajan Singh (CSK/Mumbai): Had a loyal Punjabi and Mumbai fanbase.
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David Warner (SRH): Has a loyal Telugu-speaking fanbase due to his local connection and Instagram antics.
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Hardik Pandya: Loved (and occasionally trolled) for his flashiness and bold persona.
💬 Final Thought:
In the IPL, stats make headlines, but cult fanbases build legacies. These players connect with fans in ways that stats can't measure—through personality, loyalty, emotion, and unforgettable moments.
Want a fun idea? I can create fan slogans or chants for any of these players or even for a custom team you're designing!