IPL 2026: Irfan Pathan Opines On MS Dhoni’s Role At CSK.

Former India player Irfan Pathan has expressed uncertainty about MS Dhoni playing all the games for the Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026. However, he noted that the former CSK skipper would be part of the leadership group along with Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson.

Dhoni captained CSK in Gaikwad’s absence due to a fracture in his elbow in IPL 2025. The Maharashtra batter has been retained as the CSK skipper for IPL 2026, with Samson being traded in from the Rajasthan Royals ahead of the mini auction last year.

Irfan Pathan on the role of MS Dhoni at CSK. 

Speaking on Star Sports, Irfan Pathan said: “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 added: “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.” 

The Chennai Super Kings have a young and relatively inexperienced squad heading into IPL 2026. While they retained the likes of Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis and Urvil Patel heading into the IPL 2026 auction, they brought Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma for Rs 14.20 crore apiece at the auction.

Aakash Chopra backs MS Dhoni to keep wickets for CSK. 

In a video shared on his You Tube channel, Aakash Chopra, the former India opener was asked who would keep wickets for the Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026.

Aakash Chopra replied: “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.”

While suggesting that Sanju Samson would not have the wicket-keeping gloves at the start of the tournament, the cricketer turned commentator added that Dhoni’s batting position would still be a debatable topic.

Aakash Chopra observed: “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.” 

MS Dhoni usually batted at No. 7 or lower in IPL 2025. He scored 196 runs at a strike rate of 135.17 in 13 innings last season.

It remains to be seen in what avatar MS Dhoni sees himself and performs for his team. His batting position has indeed been a hot topic lately. MS Dhoni should ideally come up the order and make an impact as batting too low down the order makes him a liability and burden to the team. He can guide the youngsters if possible as mentor but at age 45, his good days are well behind him and he must realise this sooner rather than later.

CSK will open their campaign against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati on 30th of March while the tournament kicks off on 28th March, 2026 with RCB taking on SRH in Bengaluru as the defending champions aims to get off to a winning start.

Also Read: IPL 2026: Matthew Hayden Appointed New Gujarat Titans Batting Coach