IPL 2025: “Payment fans” Jibe to Virat Kohli? Dhoni praise from Harbhajan Singh during RCB vs Kkr Game Sparks controversy

The Indian cricketing world was recently agitated by a controversial statement of the ex-spinning of India Harbhajan Singh. While appearing in a star sports panel during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025Harbhajan commented on the nature of fanatic loyalty Shot kohli.

Harbhajan Singh’s statement that triggered the controversy

This incident occurred just before Royal Challengers Bengaluruthe game against Kolkata Knight Riders At M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, an emotionally charged game, as it was Kohli’s first appearance since he announced his surprise withdrawal from the test cricket.

The controversy nucleus derives from Harbhajan’s statement Ms woman It is perhaps the only Indian cricket with a “real” fan base, at the same time suggesting that supporters of many other players exist mainly on social media and could even be paid. Speaking passionately, Harbhajan said, “If some cricketter has real fans, it is Dhoni. The rest is paid” He elaborated more, implying that the following DHoni is organic and emotionally connected, while the massive follow -up of others without directly calling anyone could be artificial, driven by digital marketing and promotional tactics.

“If some cricketter has real fans, it is Dhoni. The rest is paid. Kitna Bacha Hua Hai Aur Jab Tak Dum Hai Khelo Bhai. Chahenge Kyunki Fans I Hai. Chalta Hai par Ye Inke Jo Hai Wo Asali Hai. (” You can play the time I can. Playing. Harbhajan said.

Also read: IPL 2025: Fans react as proponents of KKR champions eliminated from the playoffs after the rain ruined the crucial game vs RCB

Was it directed to the legend of the Indian cricket Kohli?

Although Harbhajan never explicitly mentioned Kohli, the subtext of his statement was difficult to ignore. The calendar added more fuel to the fire that Kohli was scheduled to play his first IPL game since he announced his test retirement, and RCB fans had planned to turn Chinnaswamy into a celebration sea. Unfortunately, Rain resigned, but the overwhelming show of support for Kohli’s faithful highlighted the importance of Harbhajan’s statements out of place and rejected for many.

A clip of the group’s discussion was viral, especially after being shared by a Kohli fan page with the subtitle:

“Harbhajan Singh indirectly directed virating fans as Fans of Payment on Instagram?”

Harbhajan Singhin headed directly to the virating fans? As Payment Fans on Instagram#chinnaswamystadium #Rcbvskr pic.twitter.com/kyzygetjbp

– 👑 Fan King Kohli Page (@hracingchannel) May 17, 2025

Twitter (now X), Instagram and YouTube flooded with angry reactions, memes and debates. While some defended Harbhajan’s right to express an opinion, others saw it as an unnecessary provocation against a player who has been constantly one of the senior ambassadors in Cricket India. Even Aakash ChopraWho was on the same panel, sought subtly shut down the remarking tension:
“Bhai, ina sach nahi bolna chahiye tha (you shouldn’t have talked so much so much),”

Also read: RCB in IPL 2025 Final? AB Villiers commits India to lift the trophy with Kohli virat