Cricket in Numbers: From Season 1 to 19: Only 4 Players Have Done the Impossible

The countdown for the IPL 2026 is just about to end as the new season is almost here, and the fans are eager to cheer for their favourite teams and players again. Just like the first season of the IPL, there are a few players who will again be seen in the tournament in the 19th season. Such has been the consistency and longevity of these players who have entertained the fans for so long. Let’s look at the careers and how these 4 players have performed in the IPL so far.

MS Dhoni – Chennai Super Kings and Rising Pune Supergiants

Captain Cool and the player who has lifted 5 IPL Trophies, MS Dhoni, is the name that has been the driving force of the tournament. In the 18 seasons of the IPL, MS Dhoni has been a part of the Chennai Super Kings for 16 seasons, while in the remaining 2 seasons, he wore the jersey of the Rising Pune Supergiants.

In the 278 matches played, he has scored 5439 runs at an average of 38.30 and has a strike rate of 137.45. Under his captaincy, Chennai Super Kings have been the Champions of the IPL for a record 5 times.

Rohit Sharma – Deccan Chargers and Mumbai Indians

The second player whose name is printed in the history of the IPL with golden letters, Rohit Sharma, the former captain of the Mumbai Indians, has won 6 IPL Trophies in his career. After the first three seasons with the Deccan Chargers, Rohit Sharma moved to the Mumbai Indians in 2011 and straightaway made an impact for them.

In 272 matches so far, Rohit Sharma has scored 7046 runs at an average of 29.73. Adding to his all-around impact, he also has a hat trick to his name, making him one of the most brilliant and influential players in IPL history.

Virat Kohli – Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Referred to as the “King Kohli” and the highest run-scorer of IPL history, Virat Kohli is the only player in the 18 years of IPL who has played for just a single team, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. After a wait of 17 years, Virat Kohli finally won the IPL Trophy in 2025, thus completing the tournament.

After playing 267 matches, Virat Kohli has managed to score 8661 runs for the RCB team and has an average of 39.54 while maintaining a strike rate of 132.85 and 8 centuries to his name.

Manish Pandey – Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Pune Warriors India, Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi Capitals, Lucknow Super Giants

The fourth and final name in the list of players who have played all 19 seasons of the IPL is Manish Pandey. In the tournament’s history, he has played for a total of 7 teams: Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Pune Warriors India, Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi Capitals, and Lucknow Super Giants.

After 174 matches, Manish Pandey has accumulated 3942 runs at an average of 29.41 and has a strike rate of 121.51. He has been a major reason behind the Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL Trophy in 2014.