MS Dhoni: The Timeless Maestro of IPL 2025
In the unfolding drama of IPL 2025, one name remains a beacon of excellence in cricket: MS Dhoni. At nearly 44, the enigmatic former captain continues to be a central figure in the IPL, a presence that commands attention despite his retirement from international cricket in 2020. As he embarks on his 18th consecutive IPL season, Dhoni is not alone in the spotlight. Notable contemporaries such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah, alongside rising stars like Shubman Gill, Yashaswi Jaiswal, and Rishabh Pant, accompany him. These players have been pivotal in India’s recent successes, securing two ICC titles in nine months—a T20 World Cup in June and a Champions Trophy just last month. Nonetheless, it is Dhoni whose leadership continues to enthrall fans globally.
Playing his 18th straight season, Dhoni represents Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for the 16th time. As the eldest player of this year’s tournament, he follows in the footsteps of veterans like Australian spinner Brad Hogg, who played at 45, and leg-spinner Pravin Tambe, who bowed out at 44. Whether Dhoni will surpass their longevity remains uncertain. Despite stepping down as CSK’s captain three years ago and his limited appearances last season, the question of his retirement looms large. Yet CSK, leveraging the retention clause in the IPL mega-auction, retained Dhoni as an uncapped player due to his extended absence from international play.
In his illustrious IPL career, Dhoni has amassed 5,243 runs, ranking sixth in league history, while his batting average and strike rate are among the best among players with over 5,000 runs. With 252 sixes, he trails only a few in big hits, and as a wicketkeeper, his record of 180 dismissals stands unmatched. Known for his trademark “helicopter shot,” Dhoni’s batting prowess is legendary, characterized by his exceptional nerve control, strategic match handling, and rapid running between wickets. His unmatched leadership record includes captaining the most matches (210) with the most wins (123) in IPL history, guiding CSK to five IPL titles and two Champions League titles. Beyond the IPL, he led India to historic victories in the T20 World Cup (2007), ODI World Cup (2011), and Champions Trophy (2013), securing his place alongside cricket legends.
As this IPL season unfolds, Dhoni faces the inevitable physical challenges of age, yet remains undeterred. Transitioning from his longtime finisher role, he now delivers crucial cameos that influence match outcomes. The introduction of the impact player rule, enabling teams to select an extra specialist based on game dynamics, positions Dhoni as a strategic asset, balancing mentorship and participation. For CSK, Dhoni’s inclusion is imperative, as his on-field presence and off-field charisma drive commercial success and fan engagement. IPL without Dhoni feels inconceivable for many, though some argue this limits opportunities for emerging players. However, as Ravi Shastri notes, the league thrives on market dynamics, with decisions driven by what benefits the franchise the most. Former teammate Robin Uthappa cautions competitors to anticipate Dhoni’s potential to conjure up his signature brilliance once more.