MS Dhoni becomes the first cricketer in IPL history to play 250 games in 2023.

The IPL 2023 championship match between Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans began on the reserve day (May 29). MS Dhoni, captain of CSK, won the toss and invited Gujarat to bat first in a crucial match. It was a special occasion for “Captain Cool” as he strode out for his 250th IPL game, becoming the first player to reach this milestone.

Dhoni is the second-most successful captain in the annals of the Indian Premier League, having led CSK to four championship victories in 2010, 2011, 2018 and 2021. When Chennai was banished for two years following the IPL 2013 spot-fixing scandal, the 41-year-old veteran also played for Rising Pune Super Giants in 2016 and 2017.

Notably, Dhoni has captained 226 IPL matches, winning 132 of them and losing 91, for a win percentage of 58.40%. His win percentage is the highest among captains who have led their teams in over 100 matches throughout the annals of the tournament.

In 249 IPL matches, Dhoni has amassed 5082 runs at an average of 39.09 and a strike rate of 135.96, including 24 half-centuries. In the 2018 season, he scored 455 runs in 16 matches with an average of 75.83 and a strike rate of 150.0%, in addition to three centuries.

Prior to the current season, there were prevalent rumors that Dhoni would retire from the IPL at the conclusion of the season. If the legendary captain decides to retire at the conclusion of the season, the complete CSK squad will attempt to give him a fitting send-off by winning the championship.