The Indian Premier League (IPL) has long been a stage for cricketing legends, with seasoned players gracing the tournament year after year. As the 2025 season commences, whispers of retirement swirl around several stalwarts, making this season potentially their swansong. Leading this list is none other than MS Dhoni, but he's not alone. Let's delve into the careers of these veterans and their remarkable IPL journeys.
1. MS Dhoni – The Ageless Legend
Age: 43+ Years
IPL Team: Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
Career Highlights:
Okay, let’s get the elephant in the room out of the way: MS Dhoni. The man, the myth, the legend. His IPL debut back in 2008 feels like it was a lifetime ago, but honestly, can you imagine the IPL without him? Captain Cool has led CSK to 5 IPL titles and has become the face of the tournament—his calm demeanour, game-changing leadership, and that trademark helicopter shot make him irreplaceable.
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Batting Stats: 5200+ runs in 264 matches with a SR of 137.54—unbelievable numbers!
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Leadership Stats: 5-time IPL champion, the backbone of CSK, and literally the best clutch player in IPL history. 🏆
The annual “Is this MS Dhoni’s final season?” gossip mill has become a running joke, but in 2025, we might finally see the end of this glorious chapter. But here's the thing: every year, Dhoni has shown us that there’s more to come—don’t be surprised if he proves the doubters wrong one more time.
2. Faf du Plessis – The Dependable Opener
Age: 40+ Years
IPL Team: Delhi Capitals (DC)
Career Highlights:
What’s more reliable than an old-school Nokia phone? Faf du Plessis. The South African opener has been a staple in IPL since 2012 and has been leading from the front. His strategic mindset, solid batting, and sharp fielding make him one of the most underrated stars in the tournament's history.
- Batting Stats: Over 4,500 runs, averaging 36 with a strike rate of 136.37.
- Leadership Stats: Captaincy with RCB—leading them to multiple playoff appearances. You know, just being the dependable guy. 🌟
Faf’s 40 now, but he’s still going strong. He's as solid as ever, the perfect mixture of experience and style—definitely a guy you can rely on in the crunch moments. However, 2025 could mark the end of an era, and we might just be saying goodbye to one of the classiest openers and a gun fielder.
3. Ishant Sharma – The Veteran Pace Spearhead
Age: 36+ Years
IPL Team: Gujarat Titans (GT)
Career Highlights:
When it comes to pace, Ishant Sharma is like that one uncle who’s been around for ages but still manages to surprise you with his skill. He’s been part of the IPL since 2008, and with over 90 wickets to his name, Sharma has shown that age is just a number.
- Wickets Stats: 93 wickets in 110 matches with a best of 5/12.
- Bowling Prowess: Always extracts bounce and troubles batsmen with his length. Big game player.
At 36, Sharma is the wise old owl in the bowling attack, adding tons of experience to GT’s lineup. Whether it’s mentoring the young guns or chipping in with wickets, Ishant could play an important part in GT’s pace attack. But don’t expect him to be around for too long—his experience will be invaluable this season, but don’t be surprised if 2025 marks his final farewell from IPL.
4. Moeen Ali – The Explosive All-Rounder
Age: 37+ Years
IPL Team: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
Career Highlights:
Moeen Ali is that guy who walks into the room and immediately makes things interesting—whether it’s with his explosive batting, spin bowling, or just his vibe. The man has been around the IPL since 2018, providing the kind of versatility every team dreams of.
- Batting Stats: 1,162 runs in 67 matches, with a strike rate of 142.
- Bowling Stats: 35 wickets with an economy of 7.0—because Moeen’s got it all.
But at 37, the next generation is coming for him. He could still be a key player in KKR’s 2025 campaign but don’t be surprised if this season marks his last in the IPL. Ali might be a short-term solution, but his legacy as an all-rounder will last forever.
5. Karn Sharma – The Seasoned Leg-Spinner
Age: 37+ Years
IPL Team: Mumbai Indians (MI)
Career Highlights:
Ah, Karn Sharma—the unsung hero of IPL’s middle overs. This guy has been quietly taking wickets since 2013, and his leg-spin has been critical in keeping the batsmen on their toes. He also holds the unique feat of winning three consecutive titles with three different teams - SRH in 2016, MI in 2017 and CSK in 2018.
At 37, Karn Sharma may have one last season to add to his trophy collection. He might not be the first name on the team sheet, but his experience will be key in MI's quest for yet another title.
The 2025 IPL season could be the final act for some of the most iconic figures in cricket. As we watch these legends one last time, we must savour every moment they have to offer. Dhoni, Faf and others, all have helped shape the IPL into what it is today. Will we see them go out with a bang? Or is this just one more twist in the IPL tale? Whatever happens, this is the season to watch—the end of an era is just around the corner.
