CSK vs GT, IPL 2023 Final: MS Dhoni Makes Huge Milestone In Indian Premier League

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Ahmedabad, May 29: Chennai Super Kings skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni becomes the first player to play in 250 matches in Indian Premier League (IPL) after he took the field for the toss in the IPL 2023 final.

The veteran, who has featured in every season since the inception of the world's toughest T20 league, made the landmark appearance at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Monday (May 29) against Gujarat Titans.

There is a lot of talk around his retirement, but the CSK skipper has brushed aside those rumours, stating that he has 8 to 9 months to decide his future. However, the former Indian captain gets an incredible chance to bow out in style.

Dhoni has the chance to land a title in what could be his final season as a player in the IPL. The script has worked very well in his favour so far, but standing in his way will be Hardik Pandya's defending champions Gujarat Titans, who will be playing at their home.

If Dhoni's magic works out, the veteran skipper will take CSK level with Mumbai Indians for most title wins. The seasoned captain has already achieved a record for leading the team to the final 10 times in their 14 seasons.

In 249 matches, Dhoni has scored 5082 runs, including 24 fifties, at an average of 39.09 and strike rate of 135.96. The 41-year-old is also the owner of the most dismissals record in IPL as well as T20 cricket (overall). In IPL, Dhoni has 178 dismissals (137 catches & 41 stumpings).

Among the 249 matches, Dhoni has appeared for CSK in 219 games and 30 times for now defunct Rising Pune Supergiant, a team which was part of the IPL in 2016 and 2017 seasons when CSK was banned.

While Dhoni already owns the record for most appearances in the IPL, the veteran is closely followed by the likes of Rohit Sharma and Dinesh Karthik, who have also been part of the IPL since 2008.

Most Matches Played in IPL

Earlier this season, Dhoni had also crossed the landmark for 200 matches as captain in IPL. He is the only player to captain a team in over 200 matches and is now going to be the first player to earn 250 caps in IPL.

Apart from the four IPL titles in 2010, 2011, 2018 and 2021, Dhoni has also led Chennai Super Kings to two now discontinued Champions League (CLT20) title twice in 2010 and 2014. In 23 matches as captain of CSK in CLT20, Dhoni has led the team to 14 wins.