Abstract

Cricket has evolved beyond a mere sport to become a cultural and social phenomenon, especially in India and among its diaspora. This descriptive study explores the intricate intersections of sports fandom, diasporic identity, and digital engagement in relation to Mahendra Singh Dhoni (MSD) and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) within the Indian Premier League (IPL). The seventeenth edition of the IPL, or IPL 2024, garnered 450 million television viewers, representing one-third of India’s population. This work examines how MSD’s persona fosters emotional and cultural connections among fans, particularly Indian diasporas, through the psychological continuum model (PCM), excitation transfer theory (ETT), and fandom theory (FT). Using a qualitative research approach, including netnographic analysis and semi-structured interviews, the study investigates how digital platforms and social media facilitate fan engagement, identity negotiation, and transnational cultural exchanges. The findings reveal that MSD-led CSK fandom functions as a unifying force for diasporic communities, reinforcing their regional and national identities while they adapt to global contexts. By analyzing fan behaviors, emotional investments, and online interactions, this research contributes to the broader discourse on sports, digital media, and cultural and diasporic studies, offering insights into the evolving nature of sports fandom in a globalized world.