The Indian Premier League (IPL) started in 2008 as an exciting experiment, and over the years, it has grown into one of the biggest and most competitive T20 leagues in the world. Many players have come and gone, but some legends from the first season are still playing and making a difference in IPL 2025.
MS Dhoni
Matches: 264 | Runs: 5243 | Strike Rate: 137.53
Teams: Chennai Super Kings (2008-2015, 2018-present), Rising Pune Supergiants (2016-2017)
Titles: 5 (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023)
MS Dhoni is the heart of Chennai Super Kings (CSK). He has led them to five IPL titles with his smart captaincy and ability to stay calm under pressure. Even in IPL 2025, he remains a key figure for CSK, ensuring their success.
Virat Kohli
Matches: 252 | Runs: 8004 | Strike Rate: 131.97
Teams: Royal Challengers Bangalore (2008-present)
Titles: 0 | Finals: 3 (2009, 2011, 2016)
Virat Kohli has been the face of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) since the beginning. He holds the record for the most runs in IPL history but is still chasing his first title. His incredible 973-run season in 2016 remains unmatched. In IPL 2025, he is still determined to win the trophy.
Rohit Sharma
Matches: 257 | Runs: 6628 | Strike Rate: 131.14
Teams: Deccan Chargers (2008-2010), Mumbai Indians (2011-present)
Titles: 6 (2009, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020)
Rohit Sharma started with Deccan Chargers but became Mumbai Indians’ most successful captain, winning six IPL titles. His leadership and batting skills make him one of the tournament’s biggest stars.
Manish Pandey
Matches: 171 | Runs: 3850 | Strike Rate: 121.10
Teams: MI (2008), RCB (2009-2010), PWI (2011-2013), KKR (2014-2017, 2024-present), SRH (2018-2022), DC (2023)
Titles: 1 (2014)
Manish Pandey played a key role in KKR’s 2014 title win with his brilliant 94-run knock in the final. Though he has played for many teams, his ability to anchor the middle order keeps him in demand.
Ajinkya Rahane
Matches: 185 | Runs: 4642 | Strike Rate: 123.42
Teams: MI (2008-2010), RR (2011-2015, 2018-2019), RPSG (2016-2017), DC (2020), KKR (2022), CSK (2023-2024), KKR (Present)
Titles: 1 (2023)
Ajinkya Rahane has adapted his game over the years, becoming a more aggressive batsman. His fearless batting helped CSK win the 2023 title, and now, as part of KKR, he brings valuable experience.
Ravichandran Ashwin
Matches: 212 | Wickets: 180 | Economy: 7.12
Teams: CSK (2008-2015, Present), RPSG (2016), KXIP (2018-2019), DC (2020-2021), RR (2022-2024)
Titles: 2 (2010, 2011)
Ashwin is a master of spin bowling and continues to find new ways to challenge batsmen. His return to CSK in IPL 2025 marks another exciting chapter in his IPL journey.
Ravindra Jadeja
Matches: 240 | Runs: 2959 | Strike Rate: 129.78 | Wickets: 160 | Economy: 7.62
Teams: RR (2008-2009), Kochi Tuskers Kerala (2011), CSK (2012-2015, 2018-present), GL (2016-2017)
Titles: 4 (2008, 2018, 2021, 2023)
Jadeja has been an all-round superstar in IPL. His match-winning performance in the 2023 final for CSK is unforgettable. Whether as a bowler, fielder, or finisher, he remains a crucial player.
Ishant Sharma
Matches: 110 | Wickets: 92 | Economy: 8.24
Teams: KKR (2008-2010), Deccan Chargers (2011-2012), SRH (2013-2015), RPSG (2016), KXIP (2017), DC (2019-2024), GT (Present)
Titles: 0 | Finals: 0
Though not a T20 specialist, Ishant Sharma’s experience and ability to take key wickets have kept him in the IPL for over a decade.
Swapnil Singh
Matches: 14 | Wickets: 7 | Economy: 8.92
Teams: MI (2008), KXIP (2016-2017), LSG (2023), RCB (2024-Present)
Titles: 0 | Finals: 0
Swapnil Singh’s journey has been unique. Despite being part of IPL since 2008, he got real recognition much later. His impressive performances for RCB in 2023 proved that persistence pays off.
Conclusion
These players have been part of IPL since its early days and continue to perform at the highest level in IPL 2025. Their experience, skills, and dedication make them legends of the tournament, proving that age is just a number when it comes to cricket.
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