MS Dhoni Remains Cricket’s Icon as IPL 2025 Season Begins

MUMBAI, India — As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 begins, all eyes are on MS Dhoni, who continues to shine as a dominant figure in Indian cricket despite his retirement from international play in 2020. Dhoni’s leadership and charisma keep him at the forefront of the sport, attracting fervent fan support.

This season, Dhoni competes alongside renowned players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah, in addition to emerging talents such as Shubman Gill, Yashaswi Jaiswal, and Rishabh Pant. These athletes recently helped India secure two ICC titles within the last nine months, including the T20 World Cup in June and the Champions Trophy last month. However, it is Dhoni’s unparalleled draw that prevails.

Turning 44 in July, Dhoni is participating in his 18th consecutive IPL season, having spent 16 of those years with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). In doing so, he becomes the oldest player in the tournament this year, albeit not the oldest in IPL history. Australian spin bowler Brad Hogg was 45 years old when he last played in 2016. Meanwhile, former leg-spinner Pravin Tambe debuted at 41, with his final game coming at 44.

Dhoni’s longevity in the sport raises the question of whether he might surpass those precedents. Just three seasons ago, when he stepped down from captaincy, his retirement seemed imminent. Last year’s fewer appearances sparked similar speculation. However, CSK exercised the retention clause during the IPL mega-auction, retaining Dhoni for the 2025 season as an uncapped player due to his five-year absence from international cricket.

In his 18 IPL seasons, Dhoni scored 5,243 runs, placing him sixth on the all-time run list. His batting average of 39.12 beats both Rohit Sharma and Kohli, only lagging behind David Warner and AB de Villiers among players with over 5,000 runs. Dhoni’s strike rate of 137.53 is second only to de Villiers and Warner within that same group. Furthermore, with 252 sixes, he ranks fourth, just behind Chris Gayle, Sharma, and Kohli.

The statistics highlight Dhoni’s multifaceted cricketing prowess. As a wicketkeeper, he boasts an unmatched record of 180 dismissals (141 catches and 39 stumpings). His swift reflexes earned him the nickname “pickpocket” by former Indian coach Ravi Shastri. He is also famous for his signature “helicopter shot,” a wristy flick over mid-wicket.

Dhoni’s unique ability to control the game has made him a vital asset to CSK. He holds the record for the most matches captain (210) and most wins (123), leading his team to five IPL titles and two Champions League titles. Additionally, he led India to three ICC titles (the T20 World Cup in 2007, ODI World Cup in 2011, and Champions Trophy in 2013), transforming the team into a formidable force, especially during his tenure in Test cricket.

Looking forward to the current season, Dhoni’s age brings physical challenges, yet his mental resilience remains undisputed. He transitioned last season away from his traditional role as a finisher to make strategic contributions that could alter match outcomes. With the newly implemented impact player rule in the IPL, he might adapt to a supportive role as a mentor while still contributing in critical moments.

For CSK, retaining Dhoni is a strategic decision that offers significant commercial benefits, reinforcing their brand value and market appeal. As CSK’s management aptly puts it, an IPL without Dhoni is “unthinkable.”

While this may limit opportunities for younger players, former Indian captain and coach Ravi Shastri emphasizes that franchise owners prioritize what serves their interests best from a business perspective. “The league operates on free-market dynamics; they’re not sentimental,” he noted.

Robin Uthappa, a former India opener and Dhoni’s teammate, warns opponents, “Write off Dhoni at your own risk. We could still witness some old magic.”