MS Dhoni’s IPL Legacy: A Closer Look as 2025 Season Begins

CHENNAI, India — As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season kicks off, MS Dhoni remains a central figure in Indian cricket, captivating fans despite his retirement from international play in 2020. Dhoni, who will turn 44 in July, is playing his 18th consecutive IPL season, predominantly with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), where his leadership continues to draw unparalleled attention.

Veteran players such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah, alongside emerging talents like Shubman Gill, Yashaswi Jaiswal, and Rishabh Pant, have contributed to India’s recent successes, including two ICC titles in the last nine months—the T20 World Cup in June and the Champions Trophy the following month. Yet, it is Dhoni’s charisma and experience that keep him in the spotlight.

This year, Dhoni is the oldest player in the league, having joined CSK for the 2025 season using an uncapped player retention strategy. He previously hinted at retirement when he relinquished the captaincy three seasons ago, but CSK’s decision to retain him suggests they see his value extending beyond on-field performance.

In his IPL career spanning 18 seasons, Dhoni has amassed 5,243 runs, ranking sixth on the tournament’s all-time leaderboard, which is topped by Kohli. His batting average of 39.12 is superior to contemporaries Sharma and Kohli, and only trails behind David Warner and AB de Villiers among players with over 5,000 runs.

Moreover, Dhoni’s strike rate of 137.53 is third best among those with similar run totals, and he has hit 252 sixes, ranking behind only Chris Gayle, Sharma, and Kohli. As a wicketkeeper, he holds a remarkable record with 180 dismissals, further solidifying his reputation as one of cricket’s finest.

“His quick reflexes and adept glovework have earned him the nickname ‘pickpocket’,” said former Indian coach Ravi Shastri. Dhoni’s famous “helicopter shot,” characterized by a wrist-driven flick over mid-wicket, has become a hallmark of his cricketing style.

Throughout his tenure, Dhoni led CSK to five IPL titles, two Champions League titles, and captained India to three ICC championships, further enhancing his legacy. Despite stepping back from his role as a finisher last season, he remains a crucial asset. This year, with the introduction of the impact player rule, Dhoni’s role may shift to a more supportive yet strategic position, offering guidance to both the team’s captain and younger players.

CSK stands firmly behind retaining Dhoni, noting that his presence extends beyond on-field stats and offers significant branding power to the league. “An IPL without Dhoni is unthinkable,” the franchise stated. His allure undoubtedly brings commercial benefits to both CSK and the IPL.

Critics argue that holding onto Dhoni could hinder younger players’ opportunities, yet Shastri counters such claims by emphasizing the free-market nature of the league. “Franchise owners aren’t sentimental; they prioritize what’s best for them both on and off the field,” he remarked.

Former player Robin Uthappa, who played under Dhoni at both the national level and CSK, cautions rivals: “Write off Dhoni at your own risk. We could still see some old magic.” As the IPL season progresses, fans and players alike await to see how MS Dhoni’s legacy continues to unfold.