IPL Auction 2025: Jake Fraser-McGurk shocks fans, reveals MS Dhoni’s presence 'hurt his head'

Australian hard-hitter Jake Fraser-McGurk has opened up about the memorable moment from his debut IPL 2024 season, and it was MS Dhoni’s persona and craze for him in India that left a lasting impact on him.

He wasted no time, leaving fans and experts in awe of his explosive hitting in his debut season. With 330 runs to his name at a blistering strike rate of 234.04 and an average of 36, Jake Fraser-McGurk quickly became one of the most talked-about young talents in the IPL 2024.

Jake Fraser-McGurk recalls MS Dhoni's unforgettable Vizag cameo in IPL 2024

His fearless approach and ability to take on bowlers right from the first ball caught the attention of everyone watching. Despite the Australian opener’s sensational IPL debut, the Delhi Capitals (DC) didn’t retain the 22-year-old for the upcoming season, opting to let him go back into the IPL 2025 auction pool.

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However, the explosive batter said that he would be delighted to return to the IPL if the opportunity came. Reflecting on his most unforgettable moment from the IPL 2024, Jake Fraser-McGurk recalled a thrilling encounter between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Vishakapatnam.

The atmosphere was electric as the crowd erupted in excitement when the legendary MS Dhoni stepped onto the field with the yellow sea of crowds roaring high. In a masterclass of power hitting, MS Dhoni played a fiery cameo of 37 runs off 16 balls, sending the fans into a frenzy with his signature style of play.

The crowd was fully yellow, with MS Dhoni's No. 7 jersey all around: Jake Fraser-McGurk

The sheer energy in the stadium and Dhoni's explosive performance made it a moment to remember for the young Australian batter. Recalling one of the most unforgettable experiences of his IPL debut season, Jake described how the crowd was overwhelmingly in yellow despite it being a home game for DC, with fans proudly wearing No. 7 jerseys, dedicated to MSD.

Jake Fraser-McGurk said on The Unplayable Podcast about MS Dhoni’s Vizag cameo: “It is so hard; there are so many good moments. The atmosphere they bring is almost like a grand final every game. You get a single, and they cheer you on like you have hit a massive six. The best thing I saw was Delhi had a home game against Chennai; it was in Vizag; we had a home game there. I’m thinking that everyone from Delhi is going to turn out with blue jerseys everywhere. The crowd was fully yellow, with Dhoni's No. 7 jersey all around. All the flags were yellow.”

When Dhoni came out, it was the loudest thing I had ever heard: Jake Fraser-McGurk

The moment Dhoni walked out to bat, the roar of the crowd was deafening, and Jake Fraser-McGurk admitted he had to cover his ears because the noise was so intense. He was in awe of Dhoni's powerful knock that began with a massive six, saying the energy in the stadium during those 30 minutes was unlike anything he had ever experienced.

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Fraser-McGurk felt watching such a moment in person was just surreal as the entire nation seemed to be in awe of Dhoni. He further noted, “When Dhoni came out, it was the loudest thing I had ever heard. I was closing my ears because it was hurting my head. It was amazing; that would be the standout thing apart from my performance. He got 40 off not many [37 off 16], so he just went out there and started booming everywhere.

The first ball he hit for a six, and it was louder than when he walked in. The whole little 30-minute period was one of the loudest noises that I have ever heard. I couldn’t believe that it was for one guy that all of India just dropped on their knees for, that is, MS Dhoni. To see it in person is truly surreal.”

Jake Fraser McGurk said "The first ball MS Dhoni hit for a six, it was louder than when he walked in - Whole 30 minutes period was one of the loudest noises I have ever heard. I couldn't believe that it was for one guy". [Unplayable Podcast] pic.twitter.com/1gLGYCv1YB

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) November 7, 2024

Fraser-McGurk about Dhoni’s Vizag cameo:

“It is so hard, there are so many good moments. The atmosphere they bring, it is almost like a grand final every game. You get a single, they cheer you like you have hit a massive six. The best thing I saw was Delhi had a home game… pic.twitter.com/eavPqTMCex

— 𝑻𝑯𝑨𝑳𝑨 (@Vidyadhar_R) November 7, 2024