MS Dhoni & Donald Trump Reunite On Social Media: Viral Golf Video Resurfaces After 2024 US Election Results

In the whirlwind of excitement following Donald Trump's re-election as the President of the United States, an old video featuring Indian cricket legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Trump playing golf has once again gone viral. Captured last year during a casual round at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, the video shows Dhoni and Trump sharing a lighthearted moment, showcasing their mutual respect and camaraderie.

Dhoni referring Trump as his friend when Fleming says who he plays Golf with in the US. pic.twitter.com/1TSc3Fpfcy

— Div_ (@div_yumm) May 16, 2024

Former US President Donald Trump hosted a Golf game for MS Dhoni.

- Thala fever in USA....!!! pic.twitter.com/8V7Vz7nHMB

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 8, 2023

MS Dhoni playing golf with Donald Trump.

- The craze for Dhoni is huge. pic.twitter.com/fyxCo3lhAQ

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 8, 2023

Dhoni and Trump: An Unlikely Duo on the Green

The connection between MS Dhoni, often hailed as one of India's most beloved cricketers, and Donald Trump may seem surprising to some. The two high-profile personalities first crossed paths during Dhoni’s 2023 visit to the United States, where he attended the US Open quarterfinals match between Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev. Following the match, Dhoni joined Trump for a round of golf, offering fans a rare glimpse of him away from the cricket field.

In the viral video, Dhoni’s calm demeanor on the golf course mirrors the composure he’s known for as a cricketer. The sight of him exchanging smiles with Trump sparked widespread interest, with fans reveling in this unexpected alliance. Trump, meanwhile, appeared equally relaxed, taking a break from his typically intense public persona.

Trump’s Connection with Indian Cricket

For Trump, his encounter with Dhoni isn’t his first brush with Indian cricket. During his 2020 visit to India, Trump had famously acknowledged India’s cricket greats, including Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. His shoutout to these cricket icons created a buzz among Indian fans and showcased Trump’s appreciation for cricket—a sport that commands a fanbase in the billions.

Moreover, Trump’s golf course interactions with other cricket stars, like Sunil Gavaskar, have previously stirred curiosity. Gavaskar once recounted Trump’s amusing inquiries about cricket legend Imran Khan, which nearly led to clarifications about Bollywood’s famous “Khans.” For Trump, engaging with India’s cricketing elite has become an interesting cultural crossover, resonating strongly with his Indian-American supporters.

The "Thala" Factor: Fans Connect Dhoni’s Iconic Number 7 to Trump’s Victory

As Trump’s victory was confirmed in the 2024 US elections, MS Dhoni’s fanbase wasted no time in drawing parallels to Dhoni’s iconic jersey number, 7. In an imaginative twist, fans linked Trump’s election date, 6-11-2024, back to Dhoni’s number, playfully calculating that the digits in the date add up to 7 (6+1+1+2+2+4 = 16; 1+6 = 7). The phrase “Thala for a reason” flooded social media, with fans rallying around their hero once more.

This trend of associating Dhoni’s number 7 with key events is far from new. “Thala,” meaning “leader” in Tamil, is a moniker Dhoni’s fans use to celebrate his unparalleled influence in Indian cricket. For these supporters, the number represents more than just his jersey—it’s a symbol of Dhoni’s enduring legacy, leadership, and dedication to the sport.

Dhoni’s Humble Response to His Fans’ Dedication

Amid this social media storm, Dhoni’s response was characteristically humble. In a recent interview, he acknowledged the passion his fans bring to these connections, expressing gratitude for their unwavering support. “I wasn’t aware of this trend,” Dhoni shared, “but I’m grateful to my fans. Whenever I need defending, they do it for me.”

Known for his private nature, Dhoni rarely engages in social media trends, but his fanbase has made it their mission to protect and celebrate their hero in every way possible. The “Thala for a reason” movement around Trump’s win has further underscored Dhoni’s impact, transcending cricket and entering popular culture.

Trump’s Victory Speech and His Call for Unity

In his victory speech held in West Palm Beach, Florida, Trump extended his gratitude to the American people, declaring it an honor to serve once more. "It’s time to put the divisions of the past four years behind us. It’s time to unite," he stated, encouraging Americans to look toward the future with optimism. His words struck a hopeful chord, setting the tone for his second term in office.

As the world reacts to Trump’s re-election and the viral resurgence of his time on the golf course with Dhoni, one thing is clear: the intersection of sports and politics often provides a unique lens into the personal connections between influential figures. This viral video, along with the fan-driven narrative surrounding it, demonstrates how cultural symbols—like Dhoni’s jersey number 7—can transcend geographical boundaries, resonating with people far beyond the world of sports.