The game of cricket in India is no less than a religion and thus the esteemed cricketers enjoy the near god-like status. However, this fanaticism sometimes embarrasses the players.

One such embarrassing incident was reported on Saturday (August 22) in Maharashtra’s Kolhapur district as fans of MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma had a go against each other.

Posters and banners of Dhoni were put up by his fans in the town after the former Indian skipper’s retirement from international cricket on August 15. Rohit's fans did the same after the opening batsman was honoured with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award on Saturday.

But hoardings put up by Rohit's fans were taken down by some unknown people, which prompted a clash between the two fan groups.

According to a report in ABP Live, a youngster, who is said to be a fan of Rohit, started abusing the fans of Dhoni after the Hitman's posters were removed. Things turned ugly when Rohit’s fan was taken to a sugarcane field and beaten for hurling abuses.

The clash between the two fans groups also drew former India opener Virender Sehwag’s attention as he tweeted: “Kya karte rehte ho paagalon. Aapas mein players are either fond of each other or just don't talk much, kaam se kaam rakhte hain. But kuchh fans alag hi level ke pagle hain. Jhagda Jhagdi mat karo, Team India ko- as one yaad karo.” (Players are fond of each other or they don't talk much. They speak only as much as required but some fans are mad. Please do not fight against each other and treat Team India as one.)"

MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma are currently in UAE for the 13th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL), slated to start on September 19. While Dhoni will be leading three-time champions Chennai Super Kings, Rohit will take the field with the intention to defend Mumbai Indians’ title.