Chennai connection: Chennaiyin FC player Thapa loves MS Dhoni's 'down to earth' attitude

Mahendra Singh Dhoni's manic following just keeps on increasing with India and Chennaiyin FC midfielder Anirudh Thapa being latest to join bandwagon of his awestruck fans. Dhoni is one of co-owners of Chennaiyin FC, twice winners of Indian Super League in 2015 and 2017-18 season.    22-year-old Thapa treasures his interactions with Dhoni during times when former India cricket captain would drop in to meet Chennaiyin footballers.

Thapa loves Dhoni's "down to earth" attitude

"He (Dhoni) used to come whenever we had a team lunch. He would stay back to talk to boys and shared his experiences. He's a very down to earth guy. Obviously Thala is my favourite cricketer," Thapa said.

"re were ors who also asked him to come and sit with m, but instead he always preferred to sit with footballers. He would say Let me sit with boys and let me share some experiences'."

Thapa, who has played 24 matches for India since 2017, said Dhoni would also share his on and off-field experiences with footballers.  "He told us a lot about struggles he has had to face in his own life and about his journey in cricket," Thapa said in a chat session on official Instagram handle of Indian football team. "He also talked about feeling and moment when India won World Cup. And that is something I will always remember because he is such a nice guy. What he has done and how successful he is can be seen by all. Hats off to you, Thala." 

Dhoni became only second Indian captain to win ICC World Cup, when he lifted coveted trophy at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai in 2011. Thapa also shared his experience after being appointed Indian U-22 captain for first time.   

"Honestly, at that time, I didn't think that I deserved to be captain. I spoke to my parents before match but never told m that I was going to captain ( side). 

"It was only n y watched it on TV that y realised it. It was more special because I had an assist in a goal and we won match. I was happy that I could make my parents happy."