Cricket
IPL Iron Men: The Elite Few Who Played Every Single Season (2008-2025)
Few domestic cricket leagues have captured the imagination in the way the IPL has done. A breeding ground for up-and-coming talent, it has also created legends, and while the word legend is often bandied about too often, in this case, it is justified. Often, careers can be short-lived in the IPL. Given the intensity of a competition where teams play multiple times a week, especially those that qualify for the playoffs, and punch their ticket to the final, it isn’t for the faint-hearted.
MS Dhoni of Chennai Super Kings//Getty Images
Fortunes can often fluctuate, but the IPL’s longest playing cricketers, especially those who have been involved in every campaign since the tournament’s inception in 2008, will be highly adaptable, consistent, and above all else, extraordinarily fit.
At Sportsboom, we don’t take things at face value. We have crunched the data and identified the small group of IPL 2008 to 2025 players that continue to defy expectations, so read on to see what we discovered.
The Rarity of the Feat
It’s fair to assert that being able to play all IPL seasons is unique and rare. Only a select few have managed to achieve that which gives an idea of the challenges elite cricketers face.
There are a few factors that ultimately determine whether players can participate in all IPL seasons. Firstly, being able to sustain high performance levels year after year is crucial, especially given the manner the IPL has evolved since 2008. There is simply no room for mediocrity anymore.
Of course, being able to attract significant attention in the IPL auction and standing out in a highly competitive environment has become more important. With an influx of new talent arriving on the scene, the old guard relies on reputation to court interest.
Oh, and steering clear of any major injuries has helped prolong the IPL careers of some players. That’s certainly the case for the likes of MS Dhoni, who is widely regarded as one of the best wicketkeepers in IPL history, is still playing at the grand old age of 43. Nevertheless, playing in all IPL seasons is increasingly harder, and the following players have become the benchmark for which many players aspire to be like.
The IPL Ever-Presents (2008-2025)
Only a handful of cricketers have demonstrated the remarkable consistency and durability to be known as IPL every season players. We have revealed our exclusive list, and our table includes information of runs scored, highest scores, and averages.
Iron Men Table
| Player | Span | Mat | Runs | HS | Ave |
| MS Dhoni (CSK/RPS) | 2008-2025 | 273 | 5383 | 84* | 38.72 |
| RG Sharma (DCH/MI) | 2008-2025 | 266 | 6868 | 109* | 29.73 |
| V Kohli (RCB) | 2008-2025 | 262 | 8447 | 113* | 39.47 |
| MK Pandey (DC/KKR/LSG/MI/PWI/RCB/SRH) | 2008-2025 | 172 | 3869 | 114* | 29.09 |
Spotlight on the Stalwarts
To put into context the significance of the IPL longevity records, we have shared some thoughts on the four stalwarts, shining a light on their careers and illustrating defining moments.
MS Dhoni (CSK/RPS)
Perhaps the greatest glovesman of his generation, MS Dhoni continues to inspire, and his lightning-quick reflexes are stunning. He lays claim to holding the fastest stumping record in cricket history, which was clocked at just 0.08 seconds, albeit that came in an international T20.
Without digressing, Dhoni has achieved many milestones in the IPL. He became the first player to register 250 IPL appearances in 2023, the year in which he won the title with CSK, and he has claimed the most dismissals as a wicketkeeper in the competition (198 at the time of writing).
Dhoni has been a brilliant batsman too, registering over 5,000 runs, and he has become the face of CSK as a charismatic skipper, generating a cult status among its strong fanbase. Although he briefly played for the Rising Pune Supergiants, Dhoni has been the architect behind CSK’s stunning rise, and he isn’t ready to hang up his gloves just yet!
Rohit Sharma (DCH/MI)
Known as the “Hitman” for his explosive style, Rohit Sharma could accelerate through an innings and he was known for bludgeoning balls for sixes.
He started his career at the Deccan Chargers, and he played a leading role, lifting the title in 2009. However, he was soon on the Mumbai Indians’ radar, and he made the switch in 2011.
The rest, as they say, is history! Sharma was appointed as captain in 2013, guiding MI to their maiden title in the same year, and he won five crowns skippering MI, making him the IPL’s joint-successful captain.
Sharma’s IPL career has spanned over two decades. He’s just one of four players who have churned out over 6,000 runs, which is an impressive feat. In terms of IPL runs and season breakdown, 2013 was his most productive year as he amassed 538 runs. An exceptional batter and a brilliant leader too!
Virat Kohli (RCB)
The undisputed run machine of cricket, Virat Kohli has served the IPL with distinction. Perhaps the thing that stands out most about Virat Kohli across all his IPL seasons is that he’s the only player on the played every IPL season list to have featured for one franchise.
Yes, loyalty is almost unheard of nowadays, but Kohli has only represented one franchise (RCB), and apart from an insatiable appetite for scoring runs (over 8,000) which makes him the most prolific run scorer in IPL history, he is dedicated to his gym routine, and he continues to be the yardstick for which other batsmen measure themselves.
Manish Pandey (DC/KKR/LSG/MI/PWI/RCB/SRH)
While the other players on this list turned out for one or two clubs, Manish Pandey is a bit of an anomaly as he’s more of a journeyman.
Yes, Pandey, who will always be remembered as the first Indian to score a century in the IPL, became an overnight sensation at the tender age of 19.
However, despite featuring for seven different franchises, Pandey has remodelled his game and has retained relevance as a utility player. He might not be the most decorated player on this list, however, he has proved to be an effective middle-order batsman, registering over 3,800 runs in the IPL.
Key Observations
We’ve jotted down a few observations that jump out from the list of players who have participated in all seasons of the IPL:
Exclusivity – There are only four players who have been an ever-present feature of the IPL since its inception, highlighting their dedication to the cause. It also underlines that this is such a small club where only the most consistent and strong-minded players have survived.
Volume of matches – Apart from Pandey, the other players on this list have made more than 200 appearances, which shows that they have become automatic starters based on form. More critically, they have kept injuries to a minimum too, and have been able to extend their involvements in the competition.
Different career paths – Each player takes a different path to success. Manish Pandey played for seven IPL teams, indicating a storied career, while Virat Kohli turned out for just one. Neither though can be questioned about their endurance or importance to the teams they have played for.
Amazing scoring feats – All the players on this list have made hay in the IPL, as they have scored heavily. Dhoni and Sharma are known for their scoring feats, and in particular, Kohli has been prolific, showing his adeptness at T20 level.
Conclusion
In summary, MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Manish Pandey are closely intertwined with the success of the IPL, and they represent a unique chapter in the competition’s history.
They have and continue to defy expectations, and this exclusive club is something to be marvelled at. The fact that they have played every season from 2008 to 2025 emphasises their unyielding commitment to the IPL, and they have had a lasting impact on the tournament.
These four players will carve out incredible legacies, and they will pass the baton on for the future stars to pick up.
Sportsboom Suggest Bottom Line
The unparalleled experience of players competing in every IPL season provides valuable context for bettors assessing leadership, consistency under pressure, and historical performance trends, even if current form primarily drives immediate odds.
REFERENCES
- 1
MS Dhoni tops the list of most dismissals as wicketkeeper in the IPL – The full list of most IPL dismissals: https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/trophy/keeping-most-dismissals-career/indian-premier-league-117 Accessed May 7, 2025
- 2
Virat Kohli’s runs in the IPL – Virat Kohli is the most prolific run scorer in IPL history - https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/trophy/batting-most-runs-career/indian-premier-league-117 May 7, 2025
Charles Perrin is a highly experienced sports betting content writer with over six years of working with some of the leading sportsbooks in the UK, including bet365 and William Hill.