IPL 2018: 5 records MS Dhoni can break this year

The 11th edition of the Indian Premier League is less than a month away. The upcoming tournament is gathering headlines already and its franchises have started their 2018 campaign with photoshoots and practice sessions with their squads. In addition to that, MS Dhoni return to the Chennai Super Kings has taken this anticipation to a whole different level.

Here we take a look at five records that he can break in IPL 2018:

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#5 Most runs by a wicket-keeper in IPL history

Dhoni is the one wicket-keeper batsman who is likely to feature in the all-time T20 XI of every cricket fan and pundit.

Having played 159 IPL matches, Dhoni has scored 3561 runs in the tournament at a jaw-dropping average of 37.88 and an astonishing strike-rate of 136.75. He is marginally behind Robin Uthappa (3735) on the list of most runs by a wicket-keeper in the history of IPL.

Although Dhoni is in the twilight of his career, a champion like him can never be written off under any circumstances. Thus, in the 11th edition of IPL, we can expect Dhoni to run closely behind Uthappa and maybe even overtake him in terms of the runs they score.

#4 Most fifties by a wicket-keeper

MS Dhoni: The king of half centuries

Another batting record Dhoni can aim for this year is the one with the most number of fifties scored by a wicket-keeper in the history of the IPL. With 17 IPL fifties, MS Dhoni is second, yet again, to Uthappa (22 fifties) on the list.

It is important to note that for quite some time now, the former Indian skipper has played lower down the order and is expected to do the same this year as well. Thus, he might not get many deliveries at the back end of the innings, which will eventually make it difficult for him to get to the 50-run mark more often than not.

However, considering his reputation to turn the tables quickly, the hard-hitting batsman may very well threaten this very record in the upcoming season.

#3 Maximum number of IPL stumpings

MS Dhoni's reaction-time behind the stumps might very well be faster than light!

Dhoni is a pure artisan when it comes to glove-work behind the stumps. He might even be the most effective wicket-keeper in the history of world cricket. Having shattered numerous wicket-keeping records at the international level, he is all set to another such feat, this time in the domestic T20 league.

In the history of the tournament, Dhoni has affected 30 stumpings so far. Interestingly, Uthappa leads yet another chart, with the 32 IPL stumpings he has to his name.

This is a record the former Indian skipper is most likely to break, considering he will have a array of spin-bowlers to work with this season.

#2 Most catches by a player

MS Dhoni and Wicket-keeping: The beautiful connect

Another record in sight for the right-hander is of the most catches by a player in the history of the tournament. Currently, Suresh Raina (86) holds this record and is followed by Dhoni (76) at number 2.

With a long IPL season ahead, Dhoni will have a decent chance to surpass his CSK teammate and top this list. It will still be an uphill task for the wicket-keeper, as it depends solely on the bowlers and the chances they create for him.

#1 Highest win percentage

MS Dhoni: A born captain

The one thing that Dhoni is known for, more than his finishing and wicket-keeping, is his intelligent captaincy. With a mature head on his shoulders that sports his astute and shrewd cricketing mind, Dhoni is undoubtedly one of the best captains to have ever lead in world cricket.

Having broken umpteen captaincy records, the CSK skipper will be on the brink of yet another captaincy record in IPL 2018.

With a win percentage of 60.66 in 75 IPL matches, Rohit Sharma leads the chart for the same. Meanwhile, Sachin Tendulkar (58.82) is second on the list, followed by MS Dhoni, with a percentage of 58.45.

Can Dhoni take the first spot in this edition of the tournament?