5 Veteran Players to Watch in IPL 2025
Author: Srishti Bhattacharya
Updated At:
As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season approaches, all ten franchises are preparing for another action-packed tournament. While young talents will be eager to make a name for themselves, seasoned veterans will aim to prove their worth once again. These experienced players bring years of IPL experience and leadership to their teams. Here are five veteran players who will be key figures in IPL 2025.
1. MS Dhoni (Chennai Super Kings)
Even at 43, MS Dhoni remains one of the biggest attractions of the IPL. The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain, who has led the team to five IPL titles, is expected to play his final season in 2025. Despite stepping down from full-time cricket, Dhoni continues to be CSK’s backbone, offering unmatched leadership and tactical brilliance.
Dhoni played a limited role with the bat in IPL 2024 but made crucial cameos at the death. His ability to finish games and his sharp wicket keeping skills make him an irreplaceable asset for CSK. With the legendary captain possibly bidding farewell after this season, fans will be eager to witness one last Dhoni masterclass.
2. Rohit Sharma (Mumbai Indians)
After being replaced as Mumbai Indians (MI) captain by Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma has a point to prove in IPL 2025. The five-time IPL-winning captain now plays as a specialist batter, a role he will need to adjust to after leading MI for over a decade.
Rohit had an underwhelming IPL 2024, scoring just 417 runs in 14 matches. His strike rate and consistency came under scrutiny, but he remains a crucial player for MI’s top order. With a fresh approach this season, Rohit will be determined to regain his form and silence his critics.
3. Ravichandran Ashwin (Chennai Super Kings)
Ravichandran Ashwin’s return to CSK after 10 years has been a major talking point ahead of IPL 2025. Bought for INR 9.75 crore, the veteran off-spinner reunites with MS Dhoni in a move that has thrilled CSK fans. Ashwin last played for Rajasthan Royals, but with Chepauk’s spin-friendly conditions, he is expected to play a key role this season. His experience and tactical brilliance will be crucial as CSK looks to strengthen their bowling attack.
4. Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
Virat Kohli remains the heart of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), even as the team continues its search for a maiden IPL trophy. The former RCB captain was among the top scorers in IPL 2024, finishing with 741 runs at a strike rate of 154.70.
With Rajat Patidar leading RCB, Kohli now plays a different role as the team's batting pillar. His hunger for runs is evident, and he will be crucial at the top of the order. Despite all his achievements, an IPL trophy still eludes him, making this season another big challenge.
5. Ajinkya Rahane (Kolkata Knight Riders)
Ajinkya Rahane who was unsold in the main auction of IPL 2025, but later was picked up in the accelerated auction for INR 2 crores. His fate has turned out since then, where Rahaned scored 469 runs in 8 matches in the Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy after being ignored from the test squad. Rahane scored 242 runs in 12 innings in the 2024 IPL season, which resulted in him being not retained by CSK.
As KKR let go Shreyas Iyer they desperately needed someone to guide a young and energetic side, while the price tag of Venkatesh Iyer might have tempted the management to announce him as captain. But the team’s managing director Venky Mysore had other plans. Rahane captained a total of 25 matches during the 2017-2019 IPL season representing Rajasthan Royals, where he managed to win 9 and lost 16.
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