The Indian Premier League IPL 2025 witnessed a landmark moment as three of its most iconic players—Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and MS Dhoni—were honored with special mementos for completing 18 consecutive years in the tournament. This rare achievement celebrates their unwavering commitment and immense contributions since the league’s inception in 2008. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the special honors, their IPL careers, and key records that define their legendary status.
Special Memento Presentation: Celebrating 18 Years of IPL Legacy
On April 17, 2025, before the Mumbai Indians vs. Sunrisers Hyderabad match at Wankhede Stadium, BCCI President Roger Binny gave Rohit Sharma a unique gift in appreciation of his consistent participation in all 18 IPL seasons. Similarly, Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni received their mementos during the IPL 2025 opening ceremony and other matches, respectively, celebrating their unbroken presence in the tournament since 2008
Why These Three Icons?
Before joining the Mumbai Indians, where he captained the team to five IPL titles, Rohit Sharma started his IPL career with the Deccan Chargers in 2008 and won the championship with them in 2009.
Virat Kohli is unique for representing Royal Challengers Bengaluru in all 18 IPL seasons, making him the only player to have played for the same franchise throughout the league’s history.
An IPL mainstay, MS Dhoni has guided the Chennai Super Kings to numerous championships and has been an essential part of the IPL’s history from its beginning.
Highlights of the Three Icons’ Careers and IPL Records
| Player | IPL Debut | Teams Played For | IPL Seasons | IPL Titles Won | Approximate Runs Scored | Unique Achievements |
| Rohit Sharma | 2008 | Deccan Chargers, Mumbai Indians | 18 | 6 | 6,700+ | Most IPL titles as captain, 3rd highest run-scorer |
| Virat Kohli | 2008 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 18 | 0 | 8,000+ | Only player with all IPL seasons for one franchise; highest runs in a single season (973) |
| MS Dhoni | 2008 | Chennai Super Kings | 18 | 5 | 5,200+ | Renowned finisher and captain; led CSK to multiple titles |
Rohit Sharma: The Mumbai Indians’ Winning Captain
Rohit Sharma’s IPL journey began with the Deccan Chargers, where he won his first IPL title in 2009. His transfer to the Mumbai Indians in 2011 marked a transformation for himself and the team. As the most successful IPL captain, Rohit was elected captain in 2013 and has guided the Mumbai Indians to five IPL championships in a decade. With over 6,684 runs scored at a strike rate of above 130, Rohit still boasts the credentials of being a ferocious batsman and captain.
Virat Kohli: The Royal Challengers Bengaluru Loyalist
The IPL career of this cricketer is famous for his undying loyalty to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, having played for all 18 seasons with the franchise. Kohli can’t be proud of an IPL title, but there are very few batting-class acts to intimidate him. With 973 runs in 2016, he holds the record for most runs in a single IPL season. He is the only genuine representative of the IPL for leadership and reliability.
MS Dhoni: The Finisher and CSK’s Pillar
MS Dhoni’s calm demeanor and strategic warfare have played a big role in the success of CSK. Under his captaincy, they have won 4 titles in IPL, and his finishing prowess and captaincy came into the fore in pressure matches. His experience is invaluable to the younger players even now, while his mere presence is significant for the IPL ecosystem.
Current IPL 2025 Form and Future Outlook
While these legends were appreciated for their longevity, current performances in IPL 2025 are rather divergent.
Rohit Sharma has had a bad start in IPL 2025, having scored only 56 runs in five innings with an average of 11.20; however, he continues to be a crucial player for the Mumbai Indians.
Virat Kohli is probably the most important and reliable player for Royal Challengers Bangalore as he brings in those few invaluable runs and experience.
As a player-mentor for the Chennai Super Kings, MS Dhoni combines involvement on the pitch with leadership.
Their continuous involvement in the game proves the commitment to the league and to their respective teams, which would prove to motivate and encourage budding cricketers.
Also Read: Abhishek Sharma & Nitish Reddy Set to Receive BCCI Central Contracts
Conclusion
These special mementos awarded to Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and MS Dhoni in IPL 2025 salute their unmatched dedication and contribution to the league. These records, together with the players’ talent and leadership, have made the IPL a worldwide cricket phenomenon. The legacy, which celebrates the energy and excitement of the Indian Premier League, will reverberate loud and clear in front of both players and fans as the league progresses.
