IPL 2025: In a spectacle befitting a royal rivalry, the Wankhede Stadium was set ablaze – not by boundaries or wickets – but by a staggering wave of decibels, as Virat Kohli walked out to bat during the high-octane MI vs RCB clash in the Indian Premier League 2025.
The sound meter read a thunderous 138 decibels, a testament not just to Kohli’s stature in Indian cricket but to the fanfare that now seemingly dwarfs even that of MS Dhoni – India’s other cricketing deity. This was not just another IPL match. This was a statement, loud – quite literally – and clear.
The Reign of the King: Virat Kohli’s Unmatched Fandom
Often hailed as the “King of Indian cricket,” Virat Kohli’s dominance with the bat over the years has carved his name in the annals of cricketing history. He’s the highest run-scorer in IPL history, a record that not only underlines his longevity but also his unwavering consistency across seasons. Whether it’s the flick through mid-wicket or the fierce cover drive, Kohli’s artistry with the bat has made him a generational icon.
But his legacy now seems to be growing beyond the numbers. Kohli’s presence on the field invokes a euphoria that few in the game can match, and Saturday night at the Wankhede proved just that.
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A Deafening Statement in the Heart of Mumbai
The game between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) was always expected to be a crowd-puller, but few would have anticipated the noise to hit such an earth-shaking level – especially for a visiting player.
When Virat Kohli made his way to the crease, the sound levels peaked at 138 dB, a mark so loud it borders on physical pain. For context, that is louder than a jet engine at take-off from 100 feet away.
What made this moment more striking was its location – Wankhede Stadium, the fortress of the Mumbai Indians. Yet, Kohli’s fans turned the away ground into a cauldron of red and gold, cheering with a frenzy that has, astonishingly, outdone even the legendary MS Dhoni.
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Dhoni’s 120 dB Moment Overshadowed
It wasn’t too long ago that MS Dhoni, India’s World Cup-winning captain and the epitome of calmness under pressure, received what many considered the loudest cheer of the IPL 2025 season. During a Chennai Super Kings match, the sound levels reached 120 dB when Dhoni walked out to bat – a number that stunned even seasoned broadcasters.
For years, Dhoni has commanded undying love from fans across the country, with every CSK game becoming a shrine to his legend. The “Thala” chants, the sea of yellow, and the love pouring in from all corners – it has been a fairytale story.
But Kohli’s 138 dB moment in an away game has, arguably, tilted the scales.
Kohli vs Dhoni: The Battle Beyond Cricket
The cricketing world has always compared these two modern-day giants – not just for their achievements, but also for their fan engagement, charisma, and emotional connect with Indian audiences.
While Dhoni brought trophies and tactical genius, Kohli brought fire, passion, and an emotional vulnerability that fans embraced. And now, it appears that Kohli’s reign over the hearts of fans may be touching a new peak.
It’s not about comparison in the statistical sense anymore. It’s about who the people roar louder for. And in that race, Virat Kohli might just have edged past MSD.
Fan Reactions: A Glimpse Into the Madness
Social media was instantly flooded with reactions. One user wrote, “138 dB at Wankhede for an away player! That’s not noise, that’s love. KING Kohli forever!” Another added, “Thala Dhoni will always be the heart, but Kohli is the heartbeat of the next gen.”
Some CSK fans took the moment in stride, with a popular fan page tweeting, “Records are meant to be broken. 120 dB was legendary, but 138 dB – that’s madness. Respect to the King.”
The audio battle, if one may call it that, is shaping into a new narrative in the Kohli vs Dhoni storyline – one driven not by stats or strategies, but by the power of fandom.
A Night to Remember for Indian Cricket
Cricket in India is religion, and its players, demigods. In this sacred equation, both Dhoni and Kohli are high priests, each commanding legions. But nights like this at the Wankhede rewrite perceptions, reminding us that even in the twilight years of their careers, these legends continue to create moments of awe.
As Kohli walked off the field later that evening, the noise still echoed in the concrete dome of Mumbai’s cricketing temple. 138 dB wasn’t just a cheer – it was a roar of love, a shout of legacy, and a symphony of admiration for a man who has carried the weight of Indian cricket for over a decade.
The King isn’t just back – he never left. And now, he’s louder than ever.