MS Dhoni: The Unstoppable Legend Returns for Another IPL Season

At 43, Dhoni embarks on his 18th consecutive season, solidifying his status as a cricketing icon even after retiring from international play in 2020.

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 gets underway, cricket fans are buzzing with excitement over the return of MS Dhoni, the iconic former captain of the Indian cricket team. Despite stepping away from international cricket in 2020, Dhoni remains a central figure in the world’s most lucrative cricket league. The 43-year-old, who will celebrate his 44th birthday in July, is set to play his 18th straight IPL season, primarily for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the franchise he led to numerous triumphs, including five IPL titles.

Dhoni's enduring popularity is complemented by the presence of fellow cricketing stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and emerging talents such as Shubhman Gill and Rishabh Pant, who recently contributed to India's back-to-back ICC victories in the T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy. Nonetheless, it is Dhoni's stature and experience that continues to draw fans, making him a coveted player in a league featuring a mix of youth and seasoned professionals.

This season, Dhoni is the oldest player in the tournament but looking to make his mark as he prepares for his role with CSK. Previous records show the impressive leg-spinner Pravin Tambe, who played his last match at 44, will be a reference point for Dhoni, who aims to defy age norms in a rigorous competition. After relinquishing captaincy three seasons ago, many anticipated his retirement, especially following his limited appearances last year, but CSK's strategic retention during the IPL mega auction allows them to keep Dhoni on board as an uncapped player.

In his IPL career, Dhoni has amassed 5,243 runs, placing him sixth on the all-time scoring list while maintaining a batting average that excels beyond most contemporaries. His striking ability, famous for the "helicopter shot," along with 180 wicketkeeping dismissals, highlights his diverse talents that fans adore. Furthermore, he holds records for the most matches and victories as a captain in the IPL.

While age has undeniably taken a toll on the former finisher, Dhoni's mental tenacity remains unwavering. The recent impact player rule allows for strategic adaptations, which could see Dhoni shifting roles from a primary batter to a seasoned guide for younger teammates. For CSK, Dhoni's presence is invaluable – contributing not just to team dynamics but also providing substantial commercial benefits, as articulated by former players and analysts alike.

As Dhoni prepares for another challenging season, former teammate Robin Uthappa warns opponents to remain cautious, hinting that the famed cricketer may still conjure up his trademark magic. With the cricketing world at his feet yet again, there’s no denying that for many, an IPL without Dhoni is simply unimaginable.