MS Dhoni’s 'Animal' avatar in viral ad leaves fans stunned ahead of IPL 2025

MS Dhoni, the iconic former captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), has set the internet abuzz with a new advertisement featuring filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga. The commercial, which is a nod to Vanga’s blockbuster film 'Animal', showcases Dhoni sporting long hair, resembling actor Ranbir Kapoor’s look in the movie.

In the video, Dhoni is seen questioning Vanga about his new look, humorously asking if the long locks are “too much”. The filmmaker responds with an epic conversation, leaving fans both entertained and amazed. The unexpected crossover between cricket and cinema has gone viral, with social media users flooding platforms with reactions to Dhoni’s dramatic transformation.

This ad comes as Dhoni gears up for IPL 2025, where he is expected to play a crucial role for CSK. His commitment to fitness and training has been a topic of discussion, with former teammate Harbhajan Singh revealing how hard Dhoni has been working behind the scenes. According to Harbhajan, Dhoni has been batting for 2-3 hours daily and is the first to arrive at training and the last to leave.

"I just met him recently at a wedding, and he looked incredibly fit. I asked him if it was difficult to maintain this level at his age, and he simply said, 'Yes, it is tough, but this is what I love. I enjoy doing it.' His hunger for the game is still there," Harbhajan told ESPNcricinfo.

He further highlighted that Dhoni has been fine-tuning his batting for months and is showing why he remains one of the most respected cricketers in the game. "The more balls you play, the better your timing and six-hitting ability get. He is still dominating bowlers, not just surviving," Harbhajan added.

With IPL 2025 set to begin on March 22, fans are eagerly waiting to see if Captain Cool can recreate his past magic on the field. Whether it's in an advertisement or in the stadium, Dhoni continues to captivate audiences, proving why he remains one of cricket’s biggest superstars.