Watch: MS Dhoni has more fans than Cristiano Ronaldo? Rachin Ravindra's shocking statement amid FIFA WC 2026

The New Zealand star batter, Rachin Ravindra, despite being a massive fan of Cristiano Ronaldo, claims that the renowned footballer doesn’t have the same fanfare as MS Dhoni, the former World Cup-winning captain of the Indian side, under whom Ravindra featured for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).  

Ronaldo is considered one of the greatest football players in history due to his incredible athleticism, elite work ethic, and record-breaking goal-scoring, while Dhoni is renowned for his superb composure and calm character even under pressure.

What did Rachin Ravindra say? His comments on Dhoni vs Ronaldo's fanfare, explained

Ravindra has featured for the Chennai side in Dhoni’s presence during the IPL in the 2024 and 2025 seasons when he notched up 413 runs in 18 innings at an average of 24.29 and a strike rate of 143.90 with just a couple of half-centuries.

Watch Rachin Ravindra's statement here- 

Ravindra, who has been a massive fan of Ronaldo and Portugal, claimed that MS Dhoni would have a bigger fanfare than the footballer as he reflected on the next-level atmosphere of the ground whenever the wicket-keeper batter enters the ground.

See Also: MS Dhoni's top 5 most memorable knocks in international cricket: The innings that defined a legend

“I went to the Portugal vs Spain World Cup game, and I’m a big Ronaldo guy. But seeing the fanfare for CR7, I genuinely think Dhoni has even more. When he enters the ground, the sound is just next level. Even when he’s at the airport or during warm-ups, it’s the most unbelievable thing.” Ravindra expressed this in a recent podcast.

Dhoni and Ronaldo's current standing: From CSK's IPL 2026 exit to Ronaldo's World Cup elimination

Dhoni didn’t play a single game for the CSK side during the IPL 2026 due to injury, as questions have been raised over the former Indian star's future with the franchise and in the league, heading into the 2027 edition of the competition. 

Celebrating his 45th birthday on July 07, 2026, the Ranchi-born was spotted in the stands during the third T20I clash of the five-match series between England and India at Trent Bridge in Nottingham. The internet went wild at the gesture of the former Indian captain.

See Also: Watch: MS Dhoni mobbed by fans on his 45th birthday after India suffered 125-run T20I defeat to England

Ronaldo, meanwhile, is in the United States after traveling back home following the exit of Portugal from the FIFA World Cup 2026. He is expected to return to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for the upcoming season to continue his club career as a forward for Al-Nassr, where he has been signed through 2027.

Fan reaction: Cricket and football fans clash over Ravindra's claim

The Dhoni fans enjoyed the statement of Ravindra on social media, while the Ronaldo fans may not accept it-