Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh recently discussed a fresh debate between the fan bases of two of India’s biggest cricketing icons, MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli. In a recent interview, Harbhajan made it clear that, in his eyes, no one has a bigger and more genuine fan following than Dhoni.

He said, “There cannot be a bigger cricketer than MS Dhoni in India. Maybe someone has scored more runs or taken more wickets, but Dhoni’s fan base is something else.” Harbhajan praised Dhoni for staying grounded and always respecting his fans, saying that the love Dhoni gets from people comes straight from their hearts. On the other hand, while Harbhajan acknowledged Kohli’s popularity and achievements, he hinted that much of Kohli’s fame is boosted by media attention and social media. “We are not praising Kohli for no reason. He is a legend who has scored runs against every team,” Harbhajan said.

Harbhajan Singh: "Only Dhoni has Real fans others have Social Media bots 😭"

OWNED Chokli 😤
pic.twitter.com/4PfJO0Fvs7

— Honest Kohli Fan™💚❤️ (@KingEra_18) May 17, 2025

 But he also pointed out that Dhoni’s following comes from deep emotional connections with fans across the country, especially in small towns and villages. Still, Harbhajan had good things to say about Kohli’s impact on Indian cricket. He recalled a moment from the 2014 Adelaide Test when Kohli, as stand-in captain, told him that he would rather try to win than play for a draw. “He told me, ‘Bhajju pa, I’ll go for a win even if we lose,’” Harbhajan remembered. That attitude, he said, shows how Kohli brought a bold and aggressive mindset to the team. Interestingly, Harbhajan also revealed that he doesn’t talk to Dhoni anymore.

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In the past, he said about feeling ignored by team management during the final years of his career, and some believe this may have caused tension between the two. In the end, Harbhajan’s comments show that while both Dhoni and Kohli have made huge contributions to Indian cricket, their popularity comes from different places. Dhoni is loved for his calm nature and cool mindset, while Kohli is known for his attitude and massive performances. It’s a reminder that being popular in India isn’t just about stats, it’s also about how you connect with fans.