In brief
As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season kicks off, the cricketing world is once again focusing on MS Dhoni, the 43-year-old powerhouse who remains a pivotal figure in the league. Celebrated as an enduring icon, Dhoni, who turns 44 this July, is set to lead the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in his 18th consecutive IPL season. Despite stepping away from international cricket five years ago, he continues to draw fans and admiration alongside greats like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, reinforcing his legacy in cricket.
Dhoni’s remarkable career has seen him play 18 IPL seasons, racking up 5,243 runs, which ranks him sixth all-time. His achievements include a batting average of 39.12 and a strike rate of 137.53. As a wicketkeeper, he holds the record for the most dismissals in IPL history, showcasing his unrivaled skills behind the stumps. Known for his signature "helicopter shot," he transformed into one of the best match-winners of his time, also setting records as captain with 210 matches led and 123 wins, securing five IPL titles and two Champions League victories.Entering IPL 2025, Dhoni has adapted his role, shifting away from being a finisher to contributing in brief but impactful innings. This evolution, combined with the recent introduction of the impact player rule, positions him as a valuable mentor within the team. CSK’s decision to retain Dhoni underscores his unmatched marketability and the desire of fans to see him play, as they declare an IPL without him "unthinkable." As fellow players reflect on his career, there is consensus that Dhoni’s legacy is far from over, and observers remain eager for what classic moments he may still deliver on the field.
