Two Icons, Two Stores: Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni’s sporting legacy lives on in Chennai

The profound reverence for Sachin Tendulkar, often referred to as ‘God’ of cricket, is widespread across India. Yet, in Chennai, a city with a special affection for Mahendra Singh Dhoni, known as ‘Thala’ or elder brother, this devotion takes on a deeply personal dimension. It’s not merely about namesakes; it’s about preserving the spirit of two cricketing legends.

Young owner Syed Naseeruddin Shahbaz, a former national level hockey player himself, emphasizes that while Dhoni’s popularity in Chennai is undeniable, the key to attracting customers lies in the quality of products. “We don’t just focus on match days; we cater to the needs of sports enthusiasts on non-match days as well,” he asserts.

When questioned about potential copyright issues related to using Dhoni’s name, Shahbaz confidently affirms that Dhoni is aware of their shop’s existence. Moreover, there have been no copyright disputes, given the long-standing history of his family’s involvement in the sports business.

Shahbaz’s own journey in sports includes representing Tamil Nadu and All India Universities in multiple Senior National Hockey Championships. Despite his dedication, he didn’t secure a spot in India’s junior World Cup squad and eventually transitioned to the business. “My family is deeply rooted in sports. This isn’t just a business; it’s a part of who we are,” he remarks.

The shop’s customer list includes notable names like M Shahrukh Khan, a cricketer who plays for Tamil Nadu and Punjab Kings, and international teams like Bangladesh and Zimbabwe who’ve sourced sports equipment from ‘Dhoni Sports’.At ‘Sachin Sports’, an employee named Diwakar, who has been with the shop since its inception in 1998, considers Sachin Tendulkar as a timeless cricketing icon. He fondly recalls the inception of the shop after Sachin’s remarkable 155 against Shane Warne and the enduring memories of Sachin’s 136 against Pakistan, played through pain.”Sachin knows about our shop, and it’s impossible for the Indian cricket team not to be aware of us since their bus passes this road. Indian cricketers like Murali Vijay and Dinesh Karthik have also made purchases from our store,” Diwakar proudly shares.

While both ‘Sachin Sports’ and ‘Dhoni Sports’ experience a surge in sales during the IPL season, CSK jerseys, adorned with the iconic No. 7, remain the top-selling item at the Sachin-themed store. As the Cricket World Cup fever slowly begins to grip the nation, these stores anticipate a boost in sales during India’s matches, bringing more cricket enthusiasts through their doors.

Shahbaz provides an insightful observation, emphasizing that shopping for sports goods differs from regular retail therapy. Weekday mornings may see slower sales due to work commitments, but the evenings and match days bring a surge of sports enthusiasts eager to explore and purchase from these iconic stores.

These two sporting havens, side by side, capture the enduring legacy of Sachin Tendulkar and Mahendra Singh Dhoni, ensuring that their names continue to resonate in the hearts of cricket enthusiasts in Chennai.

In a city where cricket is a way of life, ‘Sachin Sports’ and ‘Dhoni Sports’ are more than just shops; they are a testament to the unwavering passion and devotion for two of India’s greatest cricketing legends.