The Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed several extraordinary records over the years, but some achievements stand apart as nearly impossible to surpass. One such feat belongs to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend MS Dhoni, whose leadership and consistency have defined the league’s history.
As IPL 2025 approaches, fans eagerly await another season of thrilling action, with Dhoni preparing for yet another campaign with CSK. However, one of his incredible records as a captain remains unmatched and may never be breached.
MS Dhoni’s Staggering Leadership Record
Over his illustrious IPL career, MS Dhoni has captained CSK in 226 matches, securing 133 victories and facing 91 defeats—a feat no other captain has come close to replicating. His leadership has propelled CSK to multiple titles, making him the most influential captain in IPL history.
While former Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Rohit Sharma has equaled Dhoni’s five IPL titles as a skipper, the latter’s winning percentage and longevity as a leader set him apart. Rohit has led MI in 158 matches, winning 87 games, a significant gap compared to Dhoni’s captaincy numbers. The consistency and resilience displayed by Dhoni over the years underscore why this record might never be broken.
CSK’s Pillar of Strength
Beyond the numbers, Dhoni’s impact on CSK transcends statistics. Under his leadership, CSK has maintained a culture of success and stability, ensuring the team remains competitive every season. His calmness under pressure and strategic decision-making have played a crucial role in CSK’s dominance in the tournament.
Even as he enters IPL 2025 at the age of 43, CSK has retained Dhoni for ₹4 crore, reaffirming his importance to the franchise. His presence alone instills confidence in the squad, and his ability to marshal his resources effectively remains unparalleled.
Dhoni’s Personal Milestones in IPL
Apart from his captaincy records, Dhoni has also been a prolific performer with the bat. In 264 matches, he has scored 5,243 runs at a strike rate of 137.54 and an average of 39.13. He has also registered 24 half-centuries, proving his reliability as a finisher.
One of the milestones he could achieve in IPL 2025 is becoming the oldest player to score a half-century in IPL history. The current record is held by Adam Gilchrist, who scored an unbeaten 85 at the age of 41 in 2013. If Dhoni registers a fifty this season, he will set yet another benchmark that might remain untouched for years.
CSK’s All-Time Leading Run-Scorer?
As IPL 2025 kicks off, Dhoni has another personal landmark within his reach. He needs just 19 runs to surpass Suresh Raina’s tally of 4,687 runs to become CSK’s all-time leading run-scorer in the IPL. Given his ability to deliver in crucial moments, it is highly likely that he will surpass this milestone early in the tournament.
MS Dhoni’s legacy in the IPL is unparalleled. His leadership, consistency, and match-winning abilities have set him apart as one of the greatest cricketers in the league’s history. While new talents will continue to emerge, his captaincy record of 133 wins in 226 matches remains a towering achievement that may never be breached.
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