MS Dhoni fans on Twitter think that he is faster than Usain Bolt

What's the story?

MS Dhoni enjoys a god-like status in India, second only to Sachin Tendulkar. But even the most successful Indian cricket team captain would have to agree that his fans can go a little over the top.

Following Usain Bolt's bronze in his final solo race, Twitter was on fire with congratulatory messages and tweets directed towards the Jamaican and his legendary career. Former Sri Lankan cricket team captain Mahela Jayawardene was among those who paid homage to the runner with a heartfelt tweet.

Respect @usainbolt ???

— Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) August 5, 2017

What he didn't expect, however, was a backlash of this magnitude.

Also respect to @msdhoni who is more faster than bolt

— Swami Ram (@swamiram96) August 7, 2017

To which Mahela snidely remarked...

Was Dhoni on his bike? ? https://t.co/4G92pBh8yi

— Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) August 7, 2017

But the crazy replies just kept on coming...

Yes dhoni is faster than bolt

— Rishabh Singh (@Rishabh83388353) August 7, 2017

Have u ever seen msd running between the wickets mahela? It is no joke to run with pads on that faster.

— Ashokraj11893 (@cricket_monster) August 7, 2017

If you consider the pads, gloves, helmet, bat, ball guard and what not the cricketers wear, then why not? But MS loves his bikes???

— Dolfred Hughes (@dolfredscud) August 7, 2017

that's enough for you pic.twitter.com/2cbzw5j3TZ

— Rishi Sharma (@Rishi5107100) August 7, 2017

In case you didn't know...

Bolt's final race saw a storm on social media with several celebrities and athletes thanking the Jamaican Champion for his incredible efforts in making 100 m sprints amongst the coolest sports out there.

Though his bronze may have come as a disappointment, it cannot overshadow the achievements of Bolt over the past decade. Achievements that have been nothing short of legendary.

The heart of the matter

Dhoni and Usain Bolt are both legends in their own right and have had some huge achievements in their respective sports. However, the crazy Twitter reaction marks the extent that fans are willing to go in order to put their World Cup winning captain on a pedestal.

Spare a thought for Mahela Jayawardene too. The former Sri Lankan batsman was just paying tribute to the greatest sprinter of all time and did nothing to deserve that reaction. But as the champ that he is, he definitely put the die-hard Dhoni fan in his place with his "Was Dhoni on his bike?" tweet. Classic.

With India and Sri Lanka currently at blows in the test match series in Sri Lanka, the fun banter may just light fuel to the raging fire of competitiveness between these two stalwarts of world cricket.

What's next?

Usain Bolt may have found himself in between an unlikely cricket confrontation but let's not forget his contributions to world sport. As he rides on into the sunset, the future looks bright for up and coming sprinters looking to emulate this particular sporting icon.

Author's take

It sure does make one chuckle seeing how over-the-top Indian cricket fans can go when it comes to their favourite players.