A Legendary Career Nears Its Twilight
Once hailed as the greatest finisher in world cricket, MS Dhoni, former India captain and five-time IPL-winner of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), has continued playing the Indian Premier League even after retiring from international cricket in August 2020. However, his IPL batting stats from 2020 to 2024 suggest a downward trend in form, raising questions among fans and critics alike.
MS Dhoni’s IPL Batting Stats (2020–2024)
| Season | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike rate | 50 s | 4s | 6s |
| 2020 | 14 | 200 | 25.00 | 116.27 | 0 | 16 | 7 |
| 2021 | 16 | 114 | 16.28 | 106.54 | 0 | 12 | 3 |
| 2022 | 14 | 232 | 33.14 | 123.40 | 1 | 21 | 10 |
| 2023 | 16 | 104 | 26.00 | 182.46 | 0 | 3 | 10 |
| 2024 | 14 | 161 | 53.67 | 220.55 | 0 | 14 | 13 |
Despite a spike in strike rate in 2023 and 2024, Dhoni’s overall run contribution and match impact have visibly declined, often attributed to his lower batting position and limited time at the crease.
Why Dhoni Isn’t the Same Anymore
One of the main reasons behind Dhoni’s diminished numbers is his batting position. Unlike his earlier years where he often walked in at No. 4 or 5, he now bats lower down the order, sometimes even after all-rounders like Ravindra Jadeja or Ravichandran Ashwin. This change not only reduces his time at the crease but limits his ability to anchor or finish the innings.
Furthermore, at 43 years old, Dhoni’s physical agility isn’t what it used to be. While his game awareness remains unmatched, the age factor cannot be ignored in a tournament as intense and fast-paced as the IPL.
Dhoni the Mentor vs. Dhoni the Player
Interestingly, some fans argue that Dhoni’s role in CSK has evolved beyond just being a player. As the senior-most figure in the team and the most-capped IPL player with 270 matches, Dhoni now serves more as a mentor and leader, often promoting young talent ahead of himself.
While this helps nurture the future of Indian cricket, it’s come at a cost to CSK’s batting depth, especially during chases. CSK have failed to chase down targets of 180+ in their last 10 attempts — a worrying streak that ranks them alongside the likes of Punjab Kings (15 losses), RCB (12), and Sunrisers Hyderabad (11).
“Dhoni is Playing More as a Brand Than a Player” – Sanjay Manjrekar
This changing narrative hasn’t gone unnoticed. Cricket analyst and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar recently stirred the pot by saying on JioStar,
“I will look at the larger picture. If you look at this year and even last year, Dhoni is playing more as a brand than as a player.”
Such comments reflect the growing sentiment that while Dhoni’s on-field influence has waned, his off-field value has skyrocketed.
CSK’s Brand Value: Built Around Dhoni
The Chennai Super Kings franchise remains one of the most popular and commercially successful teams in the IPL. Much of this success is credited to MS Dhoni’s enduring popularity. In IPL 2025, CSK’s brand partnerships include:
FedEx, Gulf Oil, Etihad Airways, Astral Pipes, Vision 11, Coca-Cola, Rayzon Solar, British Empire, Bold Fit, Baashyaam, Hello FM, Fever FM, JSW, City Union Bank, Play R, and Equitas.
Dhoni’s face and name continue to draw massive crowds, sell merchandise, and drive fan engagement, making him a marketing powerhouse both on and off the field.
The Billion-Dollar Man
Off the field, Dhoni’s success rivals — if not surpasses — his cricketing achievements. With a net worth around ₹1000 crore ($110 million), he endorses top brands across sportswear, tech, automobiles, and beverages. His retirement from international cricket hasn’t dented his earning potential, reinforcing the idea that Dhoni is now an iconic brand in himself.
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