Two elements have remained consistent throughout every Mahendra Singh Dhoni innings in IPL 2025.

Firstly, his entrance onto the field ignites an uproar among the crowd, with noise levels soaring and even the opposing team appearing captivated by his presence. The allure of the Chennai Super Kings icon is such that broadcasters have been known to exchange advertising slots just to capture his arrival at the crease.

Secondly, there is the visible disappointment among fans when the 43-year-old is dismissed or when he is unable to lead his team to victory, a feat he has accomplished numerous times in the past.

With the team management acknowledging that Dhoni may not always be able to endure the demands of playing at full intensity for 10 overs, which has led to his decision to lower his batting position, analysts are questioning the rationale behind his continued participation in the league.

The answer extends beyond cricket alone. The Indian Premier League represents a significant commercial enterprise, with its brand value reportedly increasing by 13% to reach $12 billion in 2024, according to a Brand Finance report.

The same report indicates that the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) boasts the highest brand value at $122 million, followed closely by the Mumbai Indians (MI) at $119 million and the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at $117 million.

CSK's brand strength is attributed to two main factors: their consistent performance, having reached 10 out of the 17 finals held to date, and Dhoni himself.

“Dhoni has been the face of the franchise and the most significant contributor to its success. The team enjoys a vast fan base across India. These elements enable CSK to attract top-tier sponsors and achieve substantial sponsorship revenues. The team's branding strategies, fan engagement efforts, and corporate social responsibility initiatives have all played a role in its lasting success and popularity,” stated the Houlihan Lokey report on IPL valuation in 2024.