Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers has raised questions about MS Dhoni’s role in the Chennai Super Kings squad for the upcoming IPL 2026 season, especially after the team’s acquisition of Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals. De Villiers, speaking to Star Sports, expressed concerns about Dhoni’s batting position at No. 8 or 9 if he is no longer captaining the side. He believes that Dhoni’s presence in the team should be justified based on his performance and contribution to the team’s success.
De Villiers suggested that younger players like Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson are better suited to take over leadership roles from Dhoni. However, former CSK player Cheteshwar Pujara offered a different perspective, emphasizing Dhoni’s potential to turn games around single-handedly if given the opportunity to bat higher up in the order.
The debate surrounding Dhoni’s role highlights CSK’s transition phase, with Gaikwad leading the team and Samson joining as a key player. Despite the speculation surrounding Dhoni’s future, the franchise CEO has confirmed that the veteran will be available for the entire IPL 2026 season. Pujara also noted the culture of continuity and trust within the CSK setup, emphasizing the importance of loyalty and clarity in player expectations.
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