Mon Mar 24 01:50:00 UTC 2025: ## IPL Legends: Seventeen Seasons of Cricket Stars

**CHENNAI, INDIA (March 22, 2025) –** As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season gets underway, several veteran players are celebrating 17 years of participation in the league, a testament to their enduring talent and impact on the game.

Among these stalwarts is MS Dhoni, the former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain, who has been with the team since its inception in 2008. Dhoni, the only player to return after a two-year ban, has led CSK to five IPL titles, ten finals, and countless playoff appearances.

Virat Kohli, another veteran, joined Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in 2008 and has since become the league’s all-time leading run-scorer, the only player to surpass 8000 IPL runs.

Rohit Sharma, boasting six IPL titles (the most of any player), began his IPL journey with Deccan Chargers in 2008, winning his first title in 2009. He later joined Mumbai Indians (MI), leading them to five championships and becoming their highest run-scorer with over 6000 runs.

Manish Pandey, the first Indian to score an IPL century, has also been a consistent presence since 2008. His notable performances include a 94-run knock in the 2014 final and a century for RCB in 2009.

Ajinkya Rahane, another 2008 veteran, currently captains Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and played a crucial role in CSK’s 2023 championship win.

Star spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has also completed 17 seasons, even captaining a team during his tenure. His controversial run-out of Jos Buttler in 2019 sparked debate, and he became the first player to strategically retire himself. He is currently playing for CSK.

Ravindra Jadeja, part of the Rajasthan Royals’ 2008 winning team, now plays for CSK and captained them in 2022.

Fast bowler Ishant Sharma, the most expensive bowler at the 2008 auction (for KKR), has played for seven different teams and has been a crucial member of Delhi Capitals since 2019. He will play for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025.

Finally, Swapnil Singh, whose IPL debut was delayed until 2016 with Kings XI Punjab, despite being initially drafted by MI, had a breakout season with RCB last year at age 33.

These players represent a golden generation of IPL cricket, showcasing remarkable longevity and consistent performance over seventeen seasons.

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