CSK’s fan base spans globe

The Chennai-based team is winning on social media platforms too

Sea of yellow: Even after its home matches were moved to Pune, CSK’s loyal fans ensured that the team never felt like playing an away game.

It’s remarkable how Chennai Super Kings has grown over the last 11 years, cutting across barriers, connecting with its large army of fans, forming lasting bonds.

What makes CSK tick the boxes? It’s the franchise’s separate identity, be it the iconic M.S. Dhoni, the colour yellow, the breathless ‘whistle podu’ dance, a train that transports its fans, and of course, its entertaining brand of cricket.

Pan-India reach

The side not only has a pan-India reach, but boasts of a global presence now. The immensely popular team from Chennai has embraced fresh aficionados along the IPL highway.

And its social media messaging — typified by the roaring lion — has played a huge part in bringing the CSK fans, from different countries, into a single platform.

CSK has over 12 million followers on Facebook, beyond four million on Twitter and more than a million on Instagram.

Even during its two-year absence from the IPL, social media played a key role in keeping the fan base intact.

This has been a season when CSK’s social media handles have been very busy. And the fans have responded with passionate posts.

When Cauvery protests forced CSK to shift six of its home games to Pune, the fans unified to vent their anger and frustration.

In fact, some posts have made their points forcefully such as the two pictures — presented together featuring Faf du Plessis.

The South African holds the shoe thrown at him during the CSK-Kolkata Knight Riders game at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in one, while he celebrates after piloting the Chennai side to a thrilling victory in Qualifier-1 on the other.

Then there are videos of CSK fans swinging to the rhythm of ‘whistle podu’ in places such as Singapore, Malaysia and the US, revealing the spread of the franchise.

Good-natured humour

There are many posts laced with good-natured humour as well, such as those about N. Srinivasan, the boss at India Cements, the company that runs CSK.

What stands out is the manner the franchise has used local pop culture and Tamil movies and songs to interact with the fans.

Whether in Chennai or Pune or any another venue, a sea of yellow cheers its team on from the stands. Popular, CSK certainly is.

The ‘whistle podu’ brigade is here to stay.