Records Established by MS Dhoni: The highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) is poised to return with its 2024 edition on March 22, featuring an electrifying opening clash between defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium. This season, cricket fans eagerly await the return of two cricketing icons, MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli, who have played pivotal roles in establishing the IPL as a global phenomenon.
Kohli, hailed as the IPL’s leading run-scorer, boasts an impressive record of 7263 runs in 237 matches, marked by seven centuries and 50 half-centuries, at a remarkable strike rate of 130.02. Meanwhile, Dhoni’s legacy extends beyond batting, with numerous captaincy and wicketkeeping records to his credit.
As anticipation builds for their on-field performances, let’s delve into four exceptional records held by MS Dhoni that Virat Kohli is unlikely to surpass in the upcoming 2024 IPL season.
- Most Appearances as a Player: Dhoni’s enduring presence in the IPL is unmatched. Since the league’s inception in 2008, Dhoni has been a mainstay for 14 seasons, primarily representing CSK and briefly featuring for Rising Pune Supergiant during CSK’s suspension in 2015. With an impressive tally of 250 appearances, Dhoni holds the record for the most matches played in the IPL. In contrast, Kohli’s 237 matches for RCB place him fourth on the list. Given Dhoni’s continued participation, it’s improbable for Kohli to surpass Dhoni’s match tally, particularly if Dhoni features in the early stages of the tournament.
- Most Victories as a Player: Dhoni’s leadership prowess shines through in his record for the most victories as a player in the IPL. With a remarkable 145 wins in his IPL career spanning 16 years, Dhoni’s triumphs predominantly came with CSK, supplemented by wins with Rising Pune Supergiant. In contrast, Kohli’s 113 victories in 237 matches position him seventh on the list. Surpassing Dhoni’s remarkable achievement seems daunting for Kohli, who would need to secure 32 more wins to reach Dhoni’s tally, a feat unlikely even if RCB performs exceptionally well in the 2024 edition.
- Most Not-Out Innings: Dhoni’s resilience and ability to finish matches are evident in his record for the most number of not-outs in the IPL. Throughout his illustrious career, Dhoni has remained unbeaten on 87 occasions, the highest by any batter in the league. Kohli, predominantly batting at the top order, has managed only 34 not-out innings. Dhoni’s record, including memorable innings like his unbeaten 54 against Punjab Kings in 2010, remains unchallenged, with Ravindra Jadeja trailing far behind at 71 not-outs.
- Trophy Wins as a Player: Perhaps the most illustrious record held by Dhoni is his tally of five IPL trophies as a player, all achieved with CSK. Dhoni’s captaincy acumen and leadership qualities propelled CSK to numerous title triumphs, making him a revered figure in the league. In contrast, Kohli is yet to lift the coveted IPL trophy as a player, despite his stellar performances over the years. With Dhoni’s unparalleled success, it appears improbable for Kohli to match his five-title haul in the upcoming IPL edition.
As the 2024 IPL season unfolds, cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate witnessing the timeless brilliance of MS Dhoni and the unwavering resolve of Virat Kohli. While Kohli continues to etch his name in IPL folklore with exceptional performances, certain records set by the legendary Dhoni stand as formidable milestones, unlikely to be surpassed anytime soon.