**MS Dhoni: Cricket Legend Shines Again in IPL 2025**

**As MS Dhoni embraces another season in the IPL, cricket enthusiasts are eager to witness whether the iconic player can continue to defy age and expectations.**

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season kicks off, cricket fans are once again buzzing with excitement over MS Dhoni. Turning 44 in July, the cricketing legend is set to participate in his 18th consecutive IPL season, maintaining a prominent presence despite stepping away from international cricket in 2020. While the league showcases a mixture of seasoned veterans like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah, it is Dhoni's leadership and charm that still dominate the headlines.

Representing Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for 16 of those 18 seasons, Dhoni stands as the oldest player in the tournament this year. Interestingly, though he won't break the record for the oldest player to participate, with Australian Brad Hogg having done so at 45 years old, Dhoni's enduring appeal is undeniable. Many anticipated his retirement after he relinquished the CSK captaincy three seasons ago, but the team exercised the retention clause during the IPL mega auction, allowing him to play this season as an uncapped player.

Over his 18 seasons in IPL, Dhoni has amassed a total of 5,243 runs, ranking sixth on the all-time run list, with an impressive batting average of 39.12. This places him above other contemporary greats like Rohit Sharma and Kohli. Dhoni's remarkable ability to deliver under pressure earned him respect as one of the best, even as a wicketkeeper with a staggering 180 dismissals.

Beyond mere statistics, Dhoni is known for his distinct batting flair, with his famed "helicopter shot" and exceptional running between wickets, encapsulating his game-changing capabilities. His leadership record speaks volumes, with the captain of CSK leading the team to five IPL titles along with multiple accolades for India, including three ICC titles. Renowned cricketing figures like Sunil Gavaskar and Ravi Shastri have lauded him as perhaps India’s greatest cricketer.

As he approaches the current season, the physical demands of the game challenge Dhoni. Having stepped back from the finisher role, he adapts his gameplay to contribute strategically, likely embracing the impact player rule that allows teams flexibility in the game.

With such stakes, CSK's decision to keep Dhoni is uncontroversial, given his value in commercial and branding aspects. They assert that the IPL cannot be envisioned without him, even as some young players may miss chances to shine. However, commentators like Robin Uthappa caution against underestimating Dhoni's abilities, suggesting that he may still surprise fans and opponents alike with his formidable skills.

As anticipation builds for this IPL season, Dhoni's remarkable journey continues to inspire, alongside a host of new cricketing talent.