What does the term 'Thala' mean?

The term ‘Thala’ addresses the former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (MS Dhoni). He is still the captain, playing for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), an IPL franchise. 

In the Tamil language, ‘Thala’ means head, and it also means ‘Leader’. After M.G.R., Rajinikanth, MS Dhoni is the most favorite person in Tamil Nadu.