Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are all set to make a strong comeback in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) after failing to make it to the playoffs for consecutive seasons. However, there is a massive over CSK legend MS Dhoni’s future.
The five-time IPL champions are currently in a transition phase, with Ruturaj Gaikwad leading the team since 2024. However, MS Dhoni led the franchise in almost half of the last season after Gaikwad was ruled out with an injury.
CSK aim for a big comeback as the transition phase begins
But the former CSK captain has been playing limited roles in recent seasons as he came late as a finisher and spent less time behind the stumps because of the impact player rule. And for the upcoming IPL 2026, the Chennai Super Kings have also added fresh faces like Sanju Samson.
Your daily dose of cricket!
Read Also: RCB boss breaks silence on Josh Hazlewood’s IPL 2026 status, drops big remark on Venkatesh Iyer
That move made it clear that they are planning for long-term changes, including wicketkeeping duties, and there is a strong chance that Samson can serve as the wicketkeeper for Chennai this season. But despite all the transition talk, Dhoni’s influence inside the camp remains massive.
Aakash Chopra demands MS Dhoni back as CSK captain
After CSK’s disastrous 2025 season, where they finished at the bottom, Chopra feels Dhoni’s calm mindset and experience are something the team must utilize. Actually, the cricket pandit has boldly claimed that if CSK wants to make a strong comeback, then Dhoni should be the captain.
Aakash Chopra said on JioHotstar: “Look, if Dhoni is playing, then he has to be the captain. I’m clear in my mind that if he’s around and keeping for 20 overs, he’s going to be on the field for the entire game. Find me a better captain than Mahendra Singh Dhoni on that field, out of the 22 players involved.”
The former KKR batter further added, “If there is one, I’ll concede my point. But if he’s there, then why is he not leading? For me, if CSK are looking to get the best out of Dhoni for a turnaround, then he has to be the captain.”
Read Also: Rajasthan Royals sold! Kal Somani’s $1.63 billion deal backed by Walmart and Ford powerhouses
MS Dhoni must be on the field or hang up his boots: Chopra
During the same discussion, Chopra said that the IPL 2026 could be Dhoni’s last season, especially now that Samson is in the squad and is expected to take over the wicketkeeping duties sooner or later. He also said that the former Indian captain can’t be played as the impact player, as his real strength is being on the field.
The commentator explained, “You do not run the team from the dugout; it’s not football. In cricket, you need to be on the field, and MS Dhoni’s biggest asset is his ability to read the game better than anybody else. That clarity and conviction are what make him who he is. In any case, I feel this could be his last season. He has the heir apparent now.”
Chopra signed off by saying, “Sanju Samson will eventually don the gloves; it could even happen at some stage during this season. Again, conditions apply in terms of MS Dhoni’s fitness and his knee. But he cannot be the impact player. If he is playing as an impact player, I think it’s time for him to hang up his boots.”
