MS Dhoni And...? 5 Veterans Who Could Play Their Last IPL Season In 2025

Debashis Sarangi

MS Dhoni will once again play for CSK [Source: IPLT20.com]MS Dhoni will once again play for CSK [Source: IPLT20.com]

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The ICC Champions Trophy is officially over, and it's time to witness the biggest cricket carnival, the Indian Premier League. The lucrative tournament commences on March 22, with Kolkata Knight Riders taking on Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the first game. 

Meanwhile, there are some players for whom the 2025 season could be the final IPL season, as mentioned below. 

1. MS Dhoni - CSK

  • Former India and Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni has been active in the IPL since its inaugural edition. In 229 innings for the Super Kings, Dhoni has amassed 5243 runs at an average of 39.13 and a strike rate of 137.54. 
  • However, he has had some age-related fitness issues of late. Dhoni hasn't been the same player with the bat since the 2020 edition, scoring 811 runs in 29 innings. His role has been reduced from a genuine match-winner to a pinch-hitter, while his fitness has prevented him from giving his best as a gloveman. 
  • So, considering Ruturaj Gaikwad has established himself as CSK's new captain, Dhoni, who retired from international cricket in 2020, might hang up his boots from the IPL after this season. 

2. Faf du Plessis - DC

  • Legendary South African batter Faf du Plessis has represented CSK, RCB and RPS in the IPL, scoring 4571 runs at an average of 35.99 and a strike rate of 136.37. 
  • Although he has a plethora of experience, Du Plessis is 40 years old and struggled with his form last season. In ten T20 innings, Faf averages 28.6 while striking at 138.2 in 2025. 
  • So, if Du Plessis fails to deliver for Delhi Capitals, he might go unsold in the next auction. 

3. Moeen Ali - KKR

  • England's veteran all-rounder Moeen Ali retired from international cricket in 2024. He has struggled with poor form in T20s, scoring 1,043 runs at an average of 24.3 and a modest strike rate of 126.1 since 2024. 
  • He is almost 38 years old, and his stocks in the IPL have significantly gone down. The former CSK player is going to represent KKR in the IPL 2025, which could be a make-or-break season for him. 
  • Considering his form and age, Moeen could be ignored in the next auction if he doesn't live up to the expectations in the tournament. 

4. Glenn Maxwell - PBKS

  • Australia's experienced all-rounder Glenn Maxwell failed miserably in the last IPL season, scoring 52 runs at a horrendous average of 5.78 and a strike rate of 120.93. 
  • The explosive batter has had several injury setbacks of late. His fitness issues have marginalised his impact, as he has been inconsistent with bat and ball. 
  • He is 36 and his age is not going to help him either if he somehow fails to turn things around in the IPL 2025. 

5. Ravichandran Ashwin - CSK

  • India's talismanic spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was purchased by CSK for a whopping price of INR 9.75 Crores. 
  • Ashwin had a torrid run in the IPL 2024, managing only nine wickets in fourteen innings at an average of 51.89 and a strike rate of 36.67. 
  • He is 38 and recently announced his retirement from international cricket. Ashwin has been less penetrative with the ball of late, lacking the extra zip he had during his peak days. 
  • So, if Ashwin doesn't step up with the ball for CSK, the IPL 2025 could be his final season in the tournament.