 "IPL 2025’s old warhorses: Nine players from the first season and those who are nearing their farewell")
The 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is scheduled to begin on 22 March. Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will lock horns against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the opening game. While the tournament continues to unearth young superstars, it also remains home to some of the most experienced players who have been part of its legacy since its inception in 2008.
Some of these veterans have been around since the inaugural season. However, with age catching up, IPL 2025 might be the final chapter for a few of these old warhorses. Check out the nine players who have been part of the IPL from the start.
MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni has been synonymous with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) since the league’s inception in 2008. He captained CSK to a record five IPL titles and remained their backbone. However, during CSK’s two-year suspension (2016-2017), Dhoni played for Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS), where he also led the side in 2016 before being replaced as captain in 2017. He returned to CSK in 2018 and has remained an integral part of the franchise ever since.
Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma began his IPL career with Deccan Chargers (DC) in 2008, winning the title with them in 2009. In 2011, he was bought by Mumbai Indians (MI), where he became captain in 2013 and led them to five IPL titles. He was replaced as captain by Hardik Pandya ahead of IPL 2024 season. He now plays as a batter only and is part of the core leadership group.
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli is the only player in IPL history to have played for just one franchise since his debut. He was picked by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in 2008 as an uncapped player and gradually became the face of the franchise. He took over as captain in 2013 and led the team until 2021. Despite stepping down as captain, Kohli remains RCB’s batting mainstay.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsRavichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin started his IPL journey with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2009 and was a crucial part of their title-winning campaigns. In 2016, he moved to Rising Pune Supergiant (RPSG) before joining Punjab Kings (PBKS) in 2018, where he also served as captain for two seasons. He was later traded to Delhi Capitals (DC) in 2020 and played two seasons there. Ahead of IPL 2022, Ashwin moved to Rajasthan Royals (RR). He has now returned to CSK, where it all started for him.
Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja started his IPL career with Rajasthan Royals (RR) in 2008, where he played a crucial role in their title-winning campaign. After his suspension in 2010, he played for Kochi Tuskers Kerala (KTK) in 2011. In 2012, he was bought by Chennai Super Kings (CSK), where he became a vital part of their success. During CSK’s suspension in 2016-2017, he played for Gujarat Lions (GL) before returning to CSK in 2018. He has since been part of the franchise.
Ajinkya Rahane
Ajinkya Rahane started his IPL career with Mumbai Indians (MI) but gained prominence after moving to Rajasthan Royals (RR) in 2011. He played for RR until 2015 before switching to Rising Pune Supergiant (RPSG) for two seasons during RR’s suspension. He returned to RR in 2018 and led the team before moving to Delhi Capitals (DC) in 2020. He had a brief stint with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2022 before joining Chennai Super Kings (CSK), where he played until 2023. Rahane has again joined KKR and he will lead the side this season.
Manish Pandey
Manish Pandey made history as the first Indian to score an IPL century while playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in 2009. He initially started with Mumbai Indians (MI) in 2008 before moving to RCB. He later played for Pune Warriors India (PWI) and then joined Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), where he played a crucial role in their 2014 title win. Pandey later represented Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) from 2018 to 2021 before being picked by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in 2022. In 2023, he played for Delhi Capitals (DC). He has been part of KKR since 2024.
Ishant Sharma
Ishant Sharma began his IPL career with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2008 before moving to Deccan Chargers (DC), where he was part of their 2009 title-winning squad. He later played for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and had brief stints with Rising Pune Supergiant (RPSG) and Punjab Kings (PBKS). He has also been a part of the Delhi Capitals (DC) squad from 2019 to 2024. Sharma will play for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025.
Swapnil Singh
Swapnil Singh, a domestic veteran, has been around IPL setups for years but has largely remained a squad player. The 33-year-old all-rounder has struggled for consistent game time. He was first picked by Mumbai Indians (MI) but had limited opportunities. Over the years, he has also been part of Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). He was picked by RCB in 2024 and has since been part of the team.
These nine players have not only been part of IPL’s history but have also seen the tournament evolve over the years. While many have switched teams, they continue to play a vital role in their respective franchises. Meanwhile, this year could be last season for several of these stars including MS Dhoni and Ishant Sharma.
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