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

As the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) unfolds, all eyes are fixed on MS Dhoni. Despite retiring from international cricket in 2020, he remains a superstar figure in the Indian cricketing landscape, and his continued presence generates immense excitement.

Dhoni remains a pivotal figure in the world's richest cricket league, surrounded by veterans like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, alongside pace bowlers such as Jasprit Bumrah, and emerging stars like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Rishabh Pant. These players have led India to win two International Cricket Council (ICC) titles in the past nine months – the T20 World Cup in June and the Champions Trophy last month, solidifying their positions as key figures in the sport.

However, Dhoni still commands unparalleled attention, with his leadership and presence in the league continuing to captivate fans. The cricketer, who will turn 44 in July, is participating in his 18th IPL season, 16 of which have been with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). He is the oldest player in this year's competition, though not the oldest to ever play in the IPL, highlighting his enduring commitment to the sport.

Australian leg-spinner Brad Hogg was 45 years and 92 days old when he last played in the IPL in 2016, representing the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Leg spinner Pravin Tambe, at 41 years and 212 days, became the oldest debutant for the Rajasthan Royals, and finished his astonishing career when he was 44 years and 219 days old in 2019, showcasing the diverse range of ages in the league.

Whether Dhoni will surpass Tambe and Hogg remains to be seen. Three seasons ago, his retirement seemed imminent when he relinquished the CSK captaincy. Last year, his occasional appearances also hinted at it. However, given that Dhoni has not played international cricket for five years, CSK used a retention clause in the IPL mega auction to retain Dhoni as an uncapped player eligible for the 2025 season, underscoring his ongoing value to the team.

Across 18 IPL seasons, Dhoni has amassed 5243 runs, placing him sixth on the all-time run-scorers list, currently led by Kohli. His career batting average of 39.12 is higher than Rohit Sharma and Kohli, only surpassed by David Warner (40.52) and AB de Villiers (39.70), who have both scored over 5000 runs in the league, showcasing his consistent performance over the years.

Among players with over 5000 runs, Dhoni's strike rate of 137.53 is second only to de Villiers (151.68) and Warner (139.77). In terms of sixes, Dhoni (252) trails only Gayle (357), Sharma (280), and Kohli (272), demonstrating his ability to clear the boundary with power and precision.

These batting statistics only highlight one aspect of Dhoni's capabilities. As a wicketkeeper, he holds the record for the most dismissals (180 - 141 catches, 39 stumpings), a record that remains unmatched. His sharp reflexes and deft glovework earned him the nickname "quick hands" from former India coach Ravi Shastri. The "helicopter shot," a flick of the wrists to whip a length ball over midwicket, became a signature move of his batting brilliance, showcasing his innovative approach to the game.

Another striking feature of his batting is the ability to control the game, taking innings deep, almost to the very end, with extraordinary control over his nerves, interspersed with explosive hitting. He also runs like a hare between the wickets, making him India's best match winner in his prime, highlighting his all-around athleticism and strategic acumen.

Dhoni holds the record for captaining in the most IPL matches (210) and the most wins (123), leading CSK to five IPL titles and two Champions League titles. He also led India to three ICC titles: the T20 World Cup (2007), the ODI World Cup (2011), and the Champions Trophy (2013), solidifying his legacy as a transformative leader in the sport.

Furthermore, his impact in Test cricket was immense, featuring in 90 Tests and leading India to the number one ICC ranking before his sudden mid-series retirement in 2014-15. Former India captains Sunil Gavaskar and Shastri often laud him as India's greatest-ever cricketer. While that is debatable, Dhoni belongs in the same bracket as Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, and Kapil Dev, a recognition that is widely accepted, acknowledging his monumental contribution to Indian cricket.

So, what does this season hold for him? The advancing years have taken a toll on Dhoni's body, though he remains mentally strong and highly competitive. Last season, he relinquished the finisher's role that he had held since the league's inception and adjusted his approach to provide valuable cameos that could influence the outcome of matches, demonstrating his adaptability and willingness to evolve.

With the impact player rule – allowing teams to select an extra specialist batter or bowler depending on the match situation – now an integral part of the IPL, Dhoni is likely to adapt to this role, while continuing to be a captaincy consultant and mentoring the team in an unofficial capacity, leveraging his vast experience and tactical expertise.

For CSK, retaining Dhoni in the squad is a shrewd move. His appeal transcends CSK fans, bringing immense commercial and brand benefits to the franchise and the IPL. As CSK put it, an IPL without Dhoni is "unimaginable," highlighting his irreplaceable value to the league and its stakeholders.

This might limit opportunities for younger players, both Indian and overseas, but Ravi Shastri dismissed this notion. "The league operates on free market dynamics. Franchise owners are not sentimental – they know what is best for them, both on and off the field," he said, emphasizing the pragmatic nature of team management in the IPL.

Meanwhile, former India opener Robin Uthappa, who played under Dhoni for both India and CSK, warned opponents: "Write off Dhoni at your peril. We may still see some of the old magic," suggesting that Dhoni still possesses the potential to deliver exceptional performances and surprise his detractors.

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