As the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) kicks off, all eyes remain on MS Dhoni—an enduring icon of Indian cricket who, despite stepping away from the international stage in 2020, continues to be a defining figure in the world’s most lucrative T20 tournament.
Standing alongside seasoned campaigners like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah, as well as rising talents such as Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Rishabh Pant, Dhoni remains a magnet for attention. His presence in the league, his leadership, and his aura still captivate cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
Set to turn 44 in July, Dhoni enters his 18th consecutive IPL season, 16 of which have been with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). While he is the oldest player in this year’s tournament, he is not the oldest in IPL history. Australian spinner Brad Hogg played at 45 for Kolkata Knight Riders in 2016, while leg-spinner Pravin Tambe, the oldest debutant at 41, wrapped up his IPL career at 44 years and 219 days in 2019. Whether Dhoni surpasses their longevity remains to be seen.
His retirement has often seemed imminent—three years ago when he relinquished the CSK captaincy, and again last season with reduced appearances. Yet, CSK retained him for the 2025 season under the IPL mega-auction’s retention clause, classifying him as an uncapped player due to his five-year absence from international cricket.
In 18 IPL campaigns, Dhoni has amassed 5,243 runs, placing him sixth on the all-time leaderboard, led by Kohli. His career batting average of 39.12 surpasses both Kohli and Rohit Sharma and is bettered only by David Warner (40.52) and AB de Villiers (39.70) among those with over 5,000 IPL runs. His strike rate of 137.53 is only behind de Villiers (151.68) and Warner (139.77) in the elite 5,000-run club.
A powerhouse hitter, Dhoni’s tally of 252 sixes places him fourth, trailing only Chris Gayle (357), Rohit Sharma (280), and Kohli (272). But Dhoni’s impact extends beyond batting—his record 180 dismissals (141 catches, 39 stumpings) as a wicketkeeper remain unmatched, earning him the moniker “pickpocket” from former coach Ravi Shastri due to his lightning-quick reflexes. His signature "helicopter shot" and ability to absorb pressure in tight chases defined his batting mastery, while his rapid between-the-wickets running made him India’s most reliable match-winner in his prime.
Dhoni also holds the record for most IPL matches as captain (210) and most wins (123), leading CSK to five IPL titles and two Champions League triumphs. His leadership legacy extends beyond the IPL—he remains the only captain to have won all three major ICC white-ball trophies: the T20 World Cup (2007), the ODI World Cup (2011), and the Champions Trophy (2013). His influence in Test cricket was equally profound, having led India to the No.1 ICC ranking before his surprise mid-series retirement in 2014-15.
Cricketing greats like Sunil Gavaskar and Ravi Shastri have often called Dhoni India’s greatest cricketer. While that remains a subject of debate, there is no dispute that he belongs in the pantheon alongside Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev, and Gavaskar.
What does IPL 2025 hold for Dhoni?
Age has inevitably taken a toll on his physical prowess, though his mental fortitude and game awareness remain sharp. Last season, he adapted to a new role, shifting away from his finisher duties to deliver short yet impactful cameos. With the "Impact Player" rule—allowing teams to introduce a specialist batter or bowler as needed—Dhoni could settle into this strategic position while continuing to mentor the squad and offer tactical support to the CSK captain.
For CSK, keeping Dhoni in the squad is a no-brainer. His value transcends the field, drawing immense commercial and branding benefits for the franchise and the league itself. As CSK officials put it, an IPL without Dhoni is “unthinkable.”
Some argue that Dhoni’s prolonged presence limits opportunities for younger players, but Ravi Shastri dismisses this notion. "The IPL operates on free-market principles. Franchise owners aren’t sentimental—they know exactly what’s best for their team, both on and off the field," he asserts.
Meanwhile, former India opener Robin Uthappa, who played under Dhoni for both India and CSK, offers a word of caution to skeptics: "Write off Dhoni at your own peril. There’s always a chance we’ll witness some vintage magic."