After failing to make the playoffs in consecutive seasons, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are all set to make a strong comeback in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, there are huge questions over the future of CSK legend MS Dhoni.
The five-time IPL champions are currently in a transition phase, with Ruturaj Gaikwad leading the team from 2024. However, MS Dhoni led the franchise for almost half of the last season after Gaikwad was ruled out due to injury.
CSK aims to make a big comeback as the phase of change begins
But the former CSK skipper has been playing limited roles in recent seasons as he came in late as a finisher and spent less time behind the stumps due to the impact player rule. And for the upcoming IPL 2026, Chennai Super Kings have also added new faces like Sanju Samson.
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That move made it clear that they are planning long-term changes, including wicketkeeping duties, and there is a strong possibility that Samson could serve as the wicketkeeper for Chennai this season. But despite all the talk of change, Dhoni’s influence within the camp remains widespread.
Aakash Chopra demands MS Dhoni to take back CSK captaincy
After CSK’s disastrous 2025 season, where they finished at the bottom, Chopra feels Dhoni’s calm mindset and experience are something the team should make use of. In fact, the cricket pundit has boldly claimed that if CSK has to make a strong comeback then Dhoni should be made the captain.
Aakash Chopra said on JioHotstar, “Look, if Dhoni is playing, he has to be the captain. It is clear in my mind that if he is on the field for 20 overs and keeps, he will be on the field for the entire game. Out of the 22 players involved, I should find a better captain on that field than Mahendra Singh Dhoni.”
The former KKR batsman further added, “If anyone is there, I will take my word. But if he is there, why is he not leading? For me, if CSK wants to get the best out of Dhoni for a change, he has to become the captain.”
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MS Dhoni should be on the field or hang up his shoes: Chopra
During the same discussion, Chopra said that IPL 2026 could be Dhoni’s last season, especially now that Samson is in the team and he is expected to take over the wicketkeeping duties sooner rather than later. He also said that the former Indian captain cannot be played as an impact player, as his real strength lies in staying on the field.
The commentator explained, “You don’t run the team from the dugout; it’s not football. In cricket, you have to be on the field, and MS Dhoni’s biggest asset is his ability to read the game better than anyone else. That clarity and conviction is what makes him what he is. In any case, I think this could be his last season. He now has an heir apparent.”
Chopra signed off by saying, “Sanju Samson will eventually don the gloves; it may happen at some stage during this season. Again, conditions apply in terms of MS Dhoni’s fitness and his knee. But he may not be an impact player. If he is playing as an impact player, I think it is time for him to retire.”
