MS Dhoni is arguably the greatest captain in the Indian Premier League (IPL) — here’s a list of his records with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), his achievements in IPL 2023 and the best performances of the wicketkeeper over the years.
The former India captain has played 249 IPL games thus far, participating in all the 16 editions of the tournament, since 2008. Dhoni has played for CSK in 14 editions, barring 2016 and 2017, when the franchise was banned for a period of two years. He turned out for Rising Pune Supergiants but has since returned to lead Chennai, also taking them to the titles in 2018 and 2021, after defeating SRH and KKR in the final, respectively.
MS Dhoni’s record for CSK
Dhoni has played 219 matches for Chennai since 2008, scoring 4,508 runs at an average of 40.25 and a strike rate of 137.52. He has scored 22 fifties, with a high score of an unbeaten 84, remaining not out on 78 occasions. Overall, Dhoni is the second-highest run-scorer for the team, after Suresh Raina, who made 4,687 runs in 171 innings.
(Stats updated till May 23, 2023)
He has also captained Chennai in 211 games, winning 126 with a win/loss ratio of 1.536. Under him, CSK have lost 82 matches with two games ending in No result.
Achievements with CSK: IPL trophies in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021
Under Dhoni, CSK qualified for the semifinal of the IPL on 11 straight occasions (from 2008-2019). They failed to make the top four for the first time in 2020, when the edition was held in the UAE but bounced back strongly the following year, winning their fourth title in 2021.
Overall, Chennai have qualified for the semifinal on 13 occasions, and have played the final nine times (2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2021). They made the top two four successive times between 2010-2013 and won back-to-back titles in 2010 and 2011. CSK have also won the IPL in 2018 and 2021 and narrowly missed out in 2019 when they fell short by one run in the summit clash against Mumbai Indians.
In 2022, the franchise announced that Dhoni had decided to step aside from the leadership role and would continue as a regular player instead, with all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja being appointed the captain of CSK. However, eight games later, Jadeja stepped aside and Dhoni was back in the hot seat.
MS Dhoni highest IPL scores for Chennai Super Kings
84*, RCB v CSK, Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, 2019
79*, PBKS v CSK, IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali, 2018
75*, CSK v RR, Chepauk, Chennai, 2019
70*, RCB v CSK, Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, 2011
70*, RCB v CSK, Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, 2018
MS Dhoni: Debut IPL game
Dhoni made his debut for Chennai against Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab) on 19 April 2008, at Mohali. He did not have the most memorable start, scoring two in three before being dismissed by James Hopes.
CSK ended up making 240-6 in 20 overs and won the game by 33 runs.
Last IPL game
Although there is no official confirmation, it has been widely predicted to be Dhoni’s final IPL, with the keeper hinting at the same on a number of occasions during the 2023 season. CSK have qualified for the playoffs in 2023, with the team ending in the top two. If Chennai with Qualifier 1, Dhoni’s last game could be on May 28, when the final is scheduled. If CSK lose Qualifier 1, they will play Qualifier 2 on May 26.
