As the IPL 2025 season progresses, one name continues to captivate fans and command attention — Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Despite retiring from international cricket in 2020, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) veteran remains one of the most iconic figures in the league’s history, stepping into his 18th consecutive IPL season.

At 44 years old, Dhoni is the oldest player in this year’s tournament, yet his presence remains as impactful as ever — both on and off the field. While questions remain about how long he’ll continue playing, CSK retained him under the uncapped player clause for the 2025 season, a nod to his influence even after five years away from the international scene.

Statistical dominance and unmatched leadership

Dhoni’s IPL stats underline his lasting brilliance:

5,243 runs (6th highest overall)

Batting average of 39.12, ahead of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli

Strike rate of 137.53, trailing only AB de Villiers and David Warner among top scorers

252 sixes, behind only Chris Gayle, Rohit Sharma and Kohli

180 wicketkeeping dismissals – a record in the league

He also holds the records for most matches as captain (210) and most wins as captain (123), having led CSK to five IPL titles and two Champions League T20 victories. These numbers, combined with his calm leadership and match-winning abilities, have cemented his place among cricket’s elite.

Evolving role in the team

Last season, he played a string of strategic cameos, offering impactful knocks and guiding CSK with his sharp game sense. Under the impact player rule, Dhoni may now feature selectively — adding flexibility to the squad while continuing to be a mentor and behind-the-scenes leader. His presence is also commercially vital, with his appeal driving massive brand value for both CSK and the IPL.

As former teammate Robin Uthappa put it, “Write off Dhoni at your own risk. We could still see some old magic.”

Bigger than numbers: Dhoni’s cultural impact

Beyond the numbers, Dhoni’s “helicopter shot”, quick stumpings, and cool-headed decisions under pressure have made him a legend. His contribution to Indian cricket, including three ICC titles as captain and a transformative impact in Test cricket, has drawn comparisons with the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, and Kapil Dev.

As the tournament unfolds, speculation remains around whether this will be his final IPL season. But for now, CSK fans are soaking in every moment — cheering for a man whose career continues to inspire across generations.

“The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has directed its Mariani MLA, Rupjyoti Kurmi, to issue a public apology for his unruly and abusive behaviour in the Assam Legislative Assembly on Friday. The directive came from BJP’s Assam unit president Dilip Saikia, following widespread backlash over Kurmi’s conduct during a heated exchange with Opposition members.

Kurmi, who got angry during a discussion on the Public Works Department (PWD), allegedly threatened to break an Opposition MLA’s microphone, used abusive and caste-laced language, and charged towards the Opposition benches, targeting Raijor Dal MLA Akhil Gogoi, suspended Congress MLA Sherman Ali Ahmed, and Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia. Assembly marshals intervened to prevent the situation from escalating further.

The deputy Speaker Numal Momin later expunged the unparliamentary remarks and asked Kurmi to apologise, but no suspension was imposed. The BJP state unit, however, found Kurmi’s actions to be “against parliamentary traditions” and advised him not to repeat such conduct in the future.

Political fallout and damage control

Kurmi, a former Congress MLA who switched to the BJP in 2021, has represented the Mariani constituency in Upper Assam since 2006. Party sources suggest that the BJP’s prompt move is a damage-control measure, aimed at minimising fallout in Upper Assam, particularly ahead of the upcoming panchayat elections and the 2026 Assembly polls.

A BJP watcher noted that the party faced unexpected defeat in the Jorhat Lok Sabha seat, partly due to controversial statements by party MLAs. The leadership now wants to avoid any further damage caused by public misconduct.

Opposition slams selective action

Akhil Gogoi, one of the MLAs involved in the verbal clash, accused the Assembly Speaker of bias. In a post on X, he questioned why Kurmi was spared suspension despite attempting to physically confront fellow MLAs, while he himself had been suspended previously for merely demanding an investigation into alleged corruption.

Congress MLA Debabrata Saikia also condemned Kurmi’s abusive behaviour. However, voices within the Congress have criticised the party’s muted and delayed response, noting that only limited protests were held and senior leaders remained absent from public action or digital campaigns. Some party insiders believe this could weaken the Congress’s position in an election year.”

The Delhi government, led by the BJP, is considering a ban on car-wash soaps and detergents as part of its broader initiative to clean the Yamuna River, a key election promise made earlier this year. The move, aimed at reducing the toxic load in untreated wastewater entering the river, could come into effect in the coming months.

Before implementing the ban, the government will launch a citywide awareness campaign to educate citizens about the environmental impact of washing cars on paved surfaces. Soapy water mixed with dirt, grease, and oil from car washing typically runs into storm drains that often lead directly to the Yamuna or its tributaries without any treatment, worsening the river’s condition.

Delhi Water Minister Parvesh Verma stated, “Cleaning the Yamuna is our prime responsibility, and we will deliver on the promise we made to the people of Delhi. For Yamuna Maiyaa, we will take every step, big or small. Banning car-wash products is one of the plans we are deliberating and will implement in the city.”

Ban to reduce river toxicity

Banning car-wash chemicals would cut down pollutants that contribute to eutrophication and harm aquatic life in the Yamuna. Since a major portion of the capital’s wastewater merges into the river, reducing chemical runoff is expected to bring about noticeable improvement in water quality.

New car-wash centres with treatment facilities

To provide alternatives and ensure the public’s cooperation, the government plans to open dedicated car wash centres in selected areas, equipped with sewage treatment plants (STPs). These centres will offer car washing services at nominal rates, and the wastewater will be treated before release.

The plan involves using land owned by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) to construct multi-level setups — with car wash services on the upper floors and STPs on the ground level. The aim is to reduce direct pollution while maintaining convenience for vehicle owners.

Outreach and enforcement

The government will produce documentaries on Yamuna’s historical significance and past purity, to be shown to the public as part of the outreach effort. Later phases of the plan include deploying CCTV cameras and enforcement teams to monitor violations and ensure compliance.