How 2 pics of IPL skippers from 2008 & 2023 differentiate MS Dhoni
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Mumbai: As a fresh edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is about to start today in Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, what caught the eyes of the internet, cricket lovers and IPL fans were two pictures of IPL team captains lined behind the tournament trophy.
The first one is from this year, during the second is from 2008, the inaugural edition of the IPL. But the significance of the two pictures is they feature none other than MS Dhoni, the legendary captain.
The longevity of MS Dhoni.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 30, 2023
The GOAT is still going strong. pic.twitter.com/miVe0hCrht
In 2008, Dhoni became the captain of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who the franchise bought then as its marquee player for the inaugural auction, NDTV reports. From there, he was there in all 15 editions, even in two years where CSK was kept from the tournament. During those years, he played for the Rising Pune Supergiants.
It is very difficult for a player to play at the highest level for 15 years. Dhoni played through that many years not just as a wicketkeeper but also as the most successful captain in IPL history.
Dhoni is closing on the milestone of 5000 runs in IPL. He is only 22 runs short of reaching it and becomes only the seventh player to surpass the mark.
When this year’s edition starts with CSK playing Gujarat Titans led by all-rounder Hardik Pandya, there is a question about Dhoni’s fitness after he sustained and small injury during the training section. There are doubts about his participation in the opening match.
However, Team CEO Kasi Vishwanathan said that Dhoni would absolutely play in the match.
Since Dhoni has been playing in the last 15 IPL seasons, that too as a captain, he will be well versed in the template of IPL success. He can manoeuvre his resources, experience out of 15 years of an IPL skipper etc., and might make use of the freshly rolled out "Impact Player" rule and he himself could become the "Impact Player" if the need arrives, NDTV writes.