Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has shed light on MS Dhoni’s role for Chennai Super Kings ahead of IPL 2026. Pathan expressed his uncertainty regarding Dhoni playing all the matches in the upcoming season.
However, the former swing bowler said Dhoni will have a major role to play in the leadership group along with Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson. Dhoni has always played an instrumental role in CSK’s success over the years and led the franchise to five titles.
“MS Dhoni and CSK walk together. CSK thinking about MS Dhoni not playing in the future is tough, but this season also, he will play an important role as far as getting everyone together. Not sure how many games he will play, but him being there in the dressing room will help as well,” Irfan Pathan said on Star Sports.
“Sanju will be in the leadership group as well. Ruturaj Gaikwad, talking about the leader, yes, but as a whole group, two or three guys, going for the future as well, this is where MS Dhoni comes in. So I hope he will make a difference in that, but batting position, the question will still arise,” he added.
On the other hand, former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra said MS Dhoni will only keep the wickets for CSK in the upcoming edition.
“CSK, what plan have you made? I think MS Dhoni. Sanju Samson is MS Dhoni’s successor, but when MS Dhoni is there, he will only keep. MS Dhoni won’t field, that is certain. You won’t see Urvil Patel keeping either. If MS Dhoni is there, only he is there,” Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.
The former Delhi cricketer said Samson will play as a fielder in the playing XII.
“Sanju will have to play as a fielder at the start. He will have to run around as a fielder and score runs. That is where I think Sanju will be. MS Dhoni will keep now as well. Where he will come to bat, we will keep that as a topic of discussion throughout the IPL because he gives us a chance to do that, but as far as keeping is concerned, the gloves will be in MS Dhoni’s hands,” Chopra observed.
CSK will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against the inaugural champions Rajasthan Royals, at Guwahati on 30th March.
