Indian Premier League (IPL) Has always been synonymous with the ‘Thala’ factor, but as we get closer to the 2026 season, there’s talk around Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Shifting from nostalgia to cold, hard tactics. Former India all-rounder has shocked Yellow Army fans with a move Irfan Pathan Have unveiled their ideal CSK Playing XII for IPL 2026 – and the most decorated captain in the history of the league, ms dhoniNowhere to be found in the starting lineup.
The season is scheduled to begin on March 28 and CSK are set to face Rajasthan Royals On March 30 in Guwahati, Pathan’s selection reflected his vision of a modern, high-velocity batting order. Their argument focuses on the benefits to the franchise more than the sentimental value. Pathan argued that Dhoni’s brief cameos in the final overs pleased the crowd, but they do not provide the structural stability needed for the championship in the current hyper-competitive era.
MS Dhoni misses out as Irfan Pathan names Sanju Samson and Ayush Mhatre to lead the batting charge
Pathan’s blueprint for the 2026 season prioritizes youth and aggressive intent. In a surprising strategic change, they chose a new opening pair which included young sensation Ayush Mhatre and prolific sanju samson. This allows the outgoing captain, Ruturaj GaikwadTo slot in at number 3, providing a solid anchor for the explosive middle order.
In Pathan’s view, ranged power-hitters dominate the middle phase of the innings. Shivam Dubey Retains his position as the primary spin-hitter, followed by dewald brevis. However, the most debated inclusion is Sarfaraz Khan At number 6. Pathan clearly stated that for Sarfaraz to step up and provide the required stability in the middle-order, Dhoni will have to step aside.
“If MS Dhoni says that he is playing and will play regularly, then that is one thing. You see, there comes a time when even the greatest player in the world has to leave. Will he play every game or not? Will Mahendra Singh Dhoni play all the matches or not? This is something I have believed in and talked about for many years. If Dhoni plays, at least for the last two years, it is true that even two overs are enough to make Chennai fans happy, but that does not really benefit the Chennai team. If Dhoni wants to play then he should play at least four overs.Pathan noted on his YouTube channel.
He stressed that if the experienced wicketkeeper takes the field, he must commit to batting at least four overs to justify his place in the modern T20 ecosystem.
Also read: IPL 2026: Did MS Dhoni change his jersey number? Here’s what we know
Pathans focus on strategic bowling depth and investment of ₹28 crore
Pathan’s selection also highlights CSK’s massive investment in untapped domestic talent. he included Karthik Sharma And Prashant Veer At No. 7 and No. 8 respectively. Both the players were bought at a whopping price of ₹14.2 crore in the auction and Pathan believes that their all-round utility is essential for a balanced team.
The bowling department is seeing heavy reliance on variety and recent form. Noor AhmedWho was CSK’s leading wicket-taker in 2025 with 24 wickets, leads spin attack with Caribbean Akil Hossein. Pace Battery features New Zealand matt henryWhereas Khalil Ahmed Designated as an impact player to provide a left-handed angle. Interestingly, Pathan found no place for this -Anshul Kamboj Or Rahul ChaharInstead opting for a lineup that prioritizes early wickets and mystery spin.
Irfan Pathan’s CSK Playing 12 (IPL 2026): Ayush Mhatre, Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad (captain), Shivam Dubey, Dewald Brewis, Sarfaraz Khan, Karthik Sharma, Prashant Veer, Akeal Hosein, Matt Henry, Noor Ahmed. Impact Player: Khalil Ahmed.
Also read: Former batsman picks Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ideal top order for IPL 2026