The 43-year-old Indian cricket icon gears up for another IPL

As Indian Premier Bracket (IPL) 2025 unfolds, all eyes are on MS Dhoni who continues to Authority superstar status in Indian cricket Regardless of retiring from the international game in 2020.

Dhoni continues to be a key figure in the world’s richest cricket Bracket.

Alongside him are veterans like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah, and emerging stars like Shubman Gill, Yashaswi Jaiswal, and Rishabh Pant. They are among the players who Guided India to two ICC titles in the past nine months – the T20 World Cup in June and the Champions Honor last month.

Yet it is Dhoni who Nevertheless commands unrivalled attention, with his leadership and Existence in the Bracket continuing to captivate fans.

The cricketer, who turns 44 in July, is Competing his 18th straight IPL season, 16 of these representing Chennai Super Kings (CSK). He is the oldest player in the Bracket this year, though not the oldest to have played in the IPL.

Australian spin bowler Brad Hogg was 45 years and 92 Periods Ancient when he last played in the IPL in 2016, representing Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Leg-spinner Pravin Tambe, the oldest debutant at 41 years and 212 Periods for Rajasthan Royals, played his Last Event in 2019 at 44 years and 219 Periods, capping an astonishing Profession.

Whether Dhoni will surpass Tambe and Hogg remains to be seen. Three seasons ago, when he gave up the CSK captaincy, his retirement seemed imminent. Last year, his infrequent appearances suggested the same. However, CSK used the retention clause in the IPL mega-auction to keep Dhoni for the 2025 season as an uncapped player, given his five-year absence from international cricket.

In 18 IPL seasons, Dhoni has scored 5,243 runs, placing him sixth on the all-time Streak Lineup, currently topped by Kohli.

His Profession batting average of 39.12 is higher than both Rohit Sharma and Kohli, and trails only David Warner (40.52) and AB de Villiers (39.70) among players with more than 5,000 runs in the Bracket.

Among players with over 5,000 runs, Dhoni’s strike rate of 137.53 ranks behind only de Villiers (151.68) and Warner (139.77).

In sixes, Dhoni (252) trails only Gayle (357), Sharma (280) and Kohli (272).

These batting stats highlight Merely one aspect of Dhoni’s Ability. As a wicketkeeper, he boasts 180 dismissals (141 catches, 39 stumpings), a Achievement unmatched by anyone. His quick reflexes and deft glovework earned him the nickname “pickpocket” from Ex Indian Mentor Ravi Shastri.

The “helicopter Attempt”, a flick-drive played over mid-wicket with a wrist-flex of the bottom hand, became the signature stroke of his batting brilliance.

The other notable aspect of his batting was his ability to control the Event, Securing the innings deep, virtually to the end, with a Extraordinary control of nerves, and interspersed with explosive strokes. He also Sprinted like a hare between wickets, making him India’s best Event-winner in his prime years.

Dhoni holds the Achievement for most IPL matches as Skipper (210) and most wins (123), leading CSK to five IPL titles and two Champions Bracket titles.

He also captained India to three ICC titles: the T20 World Cup (2007), ODI World Cup (2011) and Champions Honor (2013).

Additionally, his impact in Test cricket is immense, having played 90 Tests and guiding India to the No1 ICC ranking before his sudden retirement mid-series in 2014-15.

Ex Indian captains Sunil Gavaskar and Shastri have frequently hailed him as India’s finest cricketer ever. While this is Uncovered to debate, that Dhoni belongs to the same cluster as Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar and Kapil Dev is now widely acknowledged.

So what does the Present season Clasp for him?

Advancing age has taken a physical toll on Dhoni, though he remains mentally tough and highly Intense. Last season, he stepped away from his finisher role, which he’d Kept since the Bracket’s inception, and adapted his approach to provide valuable cameos that could impact the outcome.

With the impact player rule – which allows Squads to Picking an extra specialist batter or bowler based on the game situation – now an integral part of the IPL, Dhoni could well settle into this role, while continuing to be a sounding board for the Skipper and mentor to the Club in a non-designated informal manner.

For CSK, Retaining Dhoni in the Club is a no-brainer. His appeal extends beyond CSK fans, offering massive commercial and branding benefits to both the franchise and the IPL. As CSK puts it, an IPL without Dhoni is “unthinkable”.

This may limit opportunities for New players, both Indian and overseas, but Ravi Shastri dismisses this argument. “The Bracket operates on Reachable-market dynamics. Franchise owners aren’t sentimental – they know what’s best for them, on and off the Pitch,” he says.

Meanwhile, Ex India opener Robin Uthappa, who played under Dhoni for both India and CSK, warns rivals: “Write off Dhoni at your own Hazard. We could Nevertheless see some Ancient magic.”

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