MS Dhoni Steals the Show While Inaugurating Cricket Stadium in Madurai - Watch!

The Velammal Cricket Stadium near Chintamani in Madurai was officially opened by former India captain MS Dhoni on Thursday, attracting large groups of supporters eager to see one of the nation's most adored sports figures. The principal guest during the opening of Tamil Nadu's second-largest cricket stadium was Dhoni, who travelled from Mumbai to Madurai on a private plane.

The stadium was packed with cricket fans who were hoping to see the two-time World Cup champion captain. Several films of Dhoni in blue jeans and a black T-shirt, facing a few deliveries, and skillfully launching balls across the field became viral on social media. A young fan ran onto the pitch to touch his feet in a heartwarming moment. The recently renovated Velammal Cricket Stadium has top-notch facilities, including practice nets and a Centre of Excellence. The stadium, which is located on Chinthamani Ring Road close to Velammal Hospital and spans 11.5 acres, was reportedly built for about INR 325 crore.

Grand Opening of Cricket Stadium in Madurai:

MS DHONI BATTING AT THE NEW MADURAI STADIUM. pic.twitter.com/r6xwHlRt1i

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 9, 2025

A little boy touched MS Dhoni's feet in the stadium 🥹❤️ pic.twitter.com/eRc94Fl30D

— ` (@WorshipDhoni) October 9, 2025

Tight police security was set up to control the sizable crowds as Dhoni landed and was transported to the stadium in a white car with his famous jersey number, "7." After the opening ceremony at the brand-new Velammal Cricket Stadium, Dhoni drove back to the airport in a blue car with the number "7" on it. He then took a private charter flight back to Mumbai.

It can currently accommodate about 7,300 spectators, and plans are in place to increase that number to 20,000. The stadium, which aims to become a major cricket hub in Tamil Nadu, is outfitted with cutting-edge floodlights, a contemporary drainage system, and top-notch security systems. International and IPL matches are unlikely to be held there anytime soon, but Ranji Trophy and Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) games are anticipated.

Dhoni hasn't played competitive cricket since the season ended, despite leading Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) in the absence of usual captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. He completed the DGCA Drone Pilot Certification program with Garuda Aerospace and obtained an official drone pilot license the day before he visited Madurai. Fans were reminded earlier this week that the icon still understands how to maintain his prominence when Dhoni made news for wearing a Mumbai Indians jersey during a friendly football match.

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