Who Is The Godfather Of IPL? You Will Be Shocked With The Answer

Since its debut in 2008, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has gained visibility and become an international event. Over the last 14 seasons, it has featured stunning displays by some of the greatest cricket players the world has ever seen. When such fierce competition exists, viewers have been discussing who is the "Godfather" or "Baap" of the IPL.

Who Is the IPL’s Baap?

Of all the fairy tales that have graced the IPL, one name comes up again and again—MS Dhoni. Nicknamed "Captain Cool", Dhoni's influence on IPL is unmatched, placing him at the top as the "Godfather" of the tournament. Let’s delve into why Dhoni has earned this prestigious title.

Why Is MS Dhoni Considered the Baap of IPL?

MS Dhoni's involvement in the IPL started in 2008 by being the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain. Since then, he brought unprecedented glory to CSK and, in a way, became the league's brand. Under Dhoni's leadership, the following milestones have been achieved by CSK:

• IPL Titles: Four won the championship in 2010, 2011, 2018, and 2021 as captain of CSK.
• Nine IPL Finals: No other team ever appeared in a greater number of finals than CSK, which reflects Dhoni's great leadership.
• Consistent Performances: Cs has only failed to qualify for the playoffs once (2020).

Despite CSK's two-year suspension (2016-2017) over charges of match-fixing, Dhoni always left his mark. He captained the Rising Pune Supergiant during this period, showcasing his resilience and adaptability.

MS Dhoni’s Individual Achievements in the IPL

Dhoni’s contributions extend beyond his leadership. He has been an important contributor at the plate, frequently closing games under duress. Here are some of his standout stats:

• 4,746 Runs in IPL: Dhooni has made up the majority of runs being batted in the middle lower order, so his contributions are extremely useful.
• Consistent Average and Strike Rate: With an average of 40 (and a strike rate in the mid-130s), Dhoni has been one of the perennial batsmen in the league.
• Fearless Finisher: Even though Dhoni is at the end of his career," continues to be one of the most feared batsmen at death overs.

Dhoni shut up his naysayers in the 2021 season when his CSK conquered their fourth championship, thereby proving he still has that accomplishment (that is what made him a legend).

The Case for Mumbai Indians as IPL’s Baap

Covering though, Dhoni's CSK has been a great team, the Mumbai Indians (MI) have also made their mark. Lately, with Rohit Sharma as their captain, MI has clinched five IPL championships, more than any other franchise has. Thanks to the talent development such as Sachin Tendulkar, and Lasith Malinga, MI's stable records also made MI the most successful IPL franchise. But in terms of leadership and legacy, MS Dhoni is superior to all.

Conclusion

The "Godfather" or "Baap" of IPL rightfully deserves the title of MS Dhoni. His unparalleled leadership, performances, and sense of inspiration to his teammates make him an all-time icon for the league. Though teams like MI win titles back to back, Dhoni's impact has gone much beyond numbers because Dhoni will forever remain the Godfather of IPL.