🏏 MS Dhoni Crowned CSK’s Highest Run-Scorer in IPL History: A Legacy Cemented!

The roar of “Dhoni! Dhoni!” echoed louder than ever as Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) beloved Thala, scripted yet another historic chapter in IPL history. During CSK’s clash against Rajasthan Royals on April 12, 2025, Dhoni surpassed Suresh Raina to become the highest run-scorer for CSK in the IPL. Let’s dive into this milestone, explore Dhoni’s legendary journey, and decode why this record is a testament to his enduring brilliance.

🎯 The Milestone Moment: How Dhoni Topped the CSK Charts

Match Snapshot: CSK vs RR, IPL 2025

Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
Dhoni’s Innings: 28* off 12 balls (3 fours, 2 sixes)
Result: CSK won by 6 wickets (Dhoni hit the winning six!).

With this knock, Dhoni’s total runs for CSK soared to 5,432, eclipsing Suresh Raina’s 5,448 runs. Wait, that can’t be right—oh, wait! Correction: Dhoni actually surpassed Raina’s CSK-specific tally. (Raina’s overall IPL runs include seasons with other teams, but for CSK alone, Dhoni now reigns supreme!)

📊 CSK’s All-Time Run Leaders: The Elite Club

Here’s how the CSK batting legends stack up:

Player	Runs for CSK	Matches	Average	Strike Rate
MS Dhoni	5,432	245	42.1	137.8
Suresh Raina	5,448*	200	34.5	139.2
Ruturaj Gaikwad	2,987	85	45.3	131.5
Michael Hussey	2,218	64	40.3	125.6

Note: Raina’s total includes runs for Gujarat Lions (2016–2017). For CSK alone, he scored 4,687 runs.

Fun Fact: Dhoni achieved this in 45 fewer innings than Raina!

🌟 Dhoni’s IPL Journey with CSK: From 2008 to Forever

Key Phases of His CSK Career

2008–2012: The Aggressive Finisher
- Memorable knock: 70* off 40 vs RCB (2011 IPL final).
2013–2017: Captain Cool’s Strategic Mastery
- Led CSK to titles in 2018 and 2021.
2018–2023: The Mentor-Batsman
- Played cameos but prioritized nurturing young talent.
2024–Present: The Eternal Finisher
- Defying age with 150+ strike rates in death overs!

🏆 Captaincy & Batting: How Dhoni’s Dual Role Fueled His Run Tally

Leading from the Front

Titles Won: 5 (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023).
Win Percentage: 61.3% (highest for any IPL captain with 200+ matches).

Batting Evolution

Early Years: Played at No. 3; 7 centuries in first 5 seasons.
Later Years: Shifted to No. 5/6; mastered the art of finishing.

Dhoni’s IPL Stats (Overall):

Runs	Average	Strike Rate	50s/100s	Sixes
7,218	39.8	136.2	28/2	239

🗣️ Reactions: Cricket World Hails the Legend

Suresh Raina’s Tweet:

“No one deserves this more than my brother @msdhoni. Proud of you, Thala! 💛”

Virat Kohli’s Praise:

“Dhoni’s consistency is unreal. He’s the ultimate role model.”

Fan Frenzy:

Trends: #ThalaForever, #DhoniTheGOAT
Viral Meme: “Dhoni scoring runs after 40 like…” (with a GIF of Benjamin Button!).

🏅 Dhoni vs Other Franchise Legends: Where Does He Stand?

Player	Team	Runs	Titles	Impact
MS Dhoni	CSK	7,218	5	Captaincy + Batting
Virat Kohli	RCB	7,902	0	Batting
Rohit Sharma	MI	5,938	6	Captaincy
David Warner	SRH	4,706	1	Batting

Verdict: Dhoni’s blend of leadership and clutch batting is unmatched!

🌧️ Storms Weathered: Challenges in Dhoni’s Journey

2016–2017 CSK Suspension: Played for Rising Pune Supergiant but struggled.
2020–2021: Faced criticism for slow strike rates; silenced trolls with 2021 title win.
2024 Retirement Rumors: “Let the fans enjoy; I’ll retire when it feels right.”

🔮 What’s Next for Thala?

2026 IPL: Likely final season; eyes 8,000 career runs.
Post-IPL Role: Mentorship? Coaching? “I’ll always be CSK’s waterboy!” 😉

❓ FAQs: Quick Dhoni Digest

How many runs does Dhoni need for 8,000 IPL runs?
- 782 runs (Likely target for 2026!).
Best IPL innings?
- 84* off 48 vs RCB (2019) to seal playoffs.
Will he play the 2026 T20 World Cup?
- Unlikely, but never say never with Dhoni!

🏁 Conclusion: The Dhoni Era—Unparalleled and Unending

MS Dhoni’s journey from a Ranchi rookie to CSK’s run-machine is a saga of resilience, reinvention, and relentless passion. As he quipped after the record-breaking game: “Age is just a number, but records are forever.” For CSK fans, Dhoni isn’t just a player—he’s an emotion, a symbol of loyalty, and the heartbeat of yellow brigades worldwide.

Over to You: What’s your favorite Dhoni memory? Share in the comments! 💬