As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 looms, cricket fans are buzzing with excitement over none other than MS Dhoni, the iconic cricketer who has remained a superstar even after his international retirement in 2020. Despite not being in the limelight of international cricket, Dhoni continues to be a pivotal figure in the world's richest cricket league, showcasing his indomitable spirit and legendary status.

Joining Dhoni in the league this season are big names like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah, along with promising talents such as Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant. These players recently starred in India's spectacular triumph in the T20 World Cup and the ICC Champions Trophy in the last nine months. Yet, Dhoni retains an unmatched allure, captivating fans with his leadership skills and enduring presence on the field.

At nearly 44, Dhoni is embarking on his 18th consecutive IPL season, with 16 of those seasons spent with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). This season, he is the oldest player in the tournament; however, he is not the oldest in IPL history. Australian spin bowler Brad Hogg played at the age of 45, while Pravin Tambe, who made headlines as the oldest debutant, retired at 44.

Could Dhoni surpass these longevity records? Just three seasons ago, it seemed like retirement was on the horizon as he stepped down from captaincy. Last year, his decreasing appearances further fueled retirement rumors, prompting CSK to retain him for the 2025 season, citing the IPL's retention rules after a five-year hiatus from international cricket.

Throughout his storied IPL career, Dhoni has amassed over 5,243 runs, placing him sixth on the all-time run-scorers list—behind only Kohli, who leads the pack. Thanks to his career batting average of 39.12, Dhoni surpasses contemporaries Rohit Sharma and Kohli, trailing only the great David Warner and AB de Villiers among players with over 5,000 runs. His explosive batting has produced an impressive strike rate of 137.53, with his six-hitting ability ranking him fourth all-time, just behind Chris Gayle.

But Dhoni is more than just a phenomenal batsman. With a record-breaking 180 dismissals as a wicketkeeper, he has earned the nickname "pickpocket" for his sharp reflexes and agile glovework. His signature "helicopter shot" remains iconic, showcasing his innovative batting style that has dazzled fans for years. Always the strategist, Dhoni knows how to steer matches, playing with remarkable composure and smart running between the wickets.

As a captain, he holds the record for the most matches (210) and victories (123) in IPL history, leading CSK to five IPL titles and two Champions League triumphs. Under his leadership, India also clinched three ICC titles, further solidifying his status as one of the greatest leaders in cricket history.

Former Indian cricket greats like Sunil Gavaskar and Ravi Shastri regularly affirm Dhoni's status as arguably India’s finest cricketer, placing him in the same realm as legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Kapil Dev.

With age catching up, the question arises: what can we expect from Dhoni in IPL 2025? While his physical abilities may have waned, his mental acuity and competitive fire remain fierce. He adapted his game last season by stepping back from the finisher role, opting instead to provide crucial contributions that can sway match outcomes. With the addition of the impact player rule, Dhoni may pivot into a role that allows him to influence the game strategically while also mentoring younger players informally.

For the Chennai Super Kings, retaining Dhoni is an obvious choice. His presence not only attracts a legion of fans but also brings substantial commercial benefits to the franchise. After all, an IPL without MS Dhoni is simply "unthinkable," as CSK management sums it up.

While some worry about the lack of chances for young players because of Dhoni’s continued presence, Ravi Shastri counters that teams operate on market dynamics where decisions are made based on performance and value, not sentiment.

And don't forget former India opener Robin Uthappa’s warning: "Write off Dhoni at your own peril. The magic we adore could still resurface!"

With IPL 2025 around the corner, one can only wonder what tales of cricketing brilliance Dhoni will write next. Stay tuned!