MS Dhoni has missed plenty of matches for CSK [Source: AFP]The IPL 2026 has been forgettable for MS Dhoni. The talismanic cricketer has been out of action for quite a while amid his tryst with a recurring injury. CSK's five-time IPL-winning captain has yet to play a game and might even miss out on their upcoming fixture against Kolkata Knight Riders. Considering MS Dhoni is at the fag end of his career, the Super Kings management doesn't see him playing the IPL for a long time. In such a scenario, CSK are searching for a long-term replacement for their beloved Thala, a spot that finally seems to have found a suitable successor. As fans wonder whether they would look up to Ruturaj Gaikwad or Sanju Samson in the post-Dhoni era, a CSK official has finally given his nod of approval to one of the two candidates. The uncertainty around MS Dhoni lays roadmap of transitionThe legendary MS Dhoni was the most high-profile name to join the CSK IPL squad when the franchise signed him for a substantial amount at the inaugural auction. He had just led India to a historic T20 World Cup triumph, and the Chennai management had no hesitation in appointing him as the skipper of the franchise. The move worked wonders for the Super Kings, as Dhoni powered them to five IPL titles during his glorious captaincy stint. However, change is the only constant in this world, and the Super Kings were eventually hit by the wind of transition. Also Read: Nitish Rana, Ruturaj Gaikwad Punished By BCCI After CSK's 1st Win In IPL 2026Although he still is the most influential personality in the CSK camp, an ageing MS Dhoni no longer remains their go-to finisher as well as wicketkeeper. The legendary player has already missed four consecutive matches and might remain on the sidelines due to a calf injury. Thus, with MS Dhoni gradually fading away from the CSK setup, bowling coach Eric Simmons feels Sanju Samson has all the ingredients to be his successor going forward. Eric Simmons believes Sanju Samson could be CSK's next MS DhoniFormer South African cricketer Eric Simmons was India's bowling coach when MS Dhoni was the captain of the side. Therefore, he has seen Dhoni from close quarters, being associated with him for a significant period of time. Simmons, who currently serves as the CSK bowling coach, feels Sanju Samson carries a personality similar to Dhoni. The Kerala batter is calm and composed, like the former Indian captain, and reads the game quite well, just as his predecessor did. "I've had the privilege to spend many years playing, being involved with Dhoni, he's one of the calmest cricketers l've ever come across. And Sanju Samson's not far behind that, he just understands the game from that perspective, l've seen no panic, no sense of practising more, doing more, maybe even less," Eric Simmons said in the post-match press conference after the Super Kings' first IPL 2026 victory against Delhi Capitals. Sanju Samson redeems himself in IPL 2026Swashbuckling Indian batter Sanju Samson couldn't live up to the expectations in the initial IPL 2026 matches. He couldn't capitalise on his T20 World Cup form, recording three consecutive single-digit scores in the tournament. However, his IPL curse finally broke against DC, as Samson went berserk and registered the first century of the 2026 season. Apart from boosting his morale, Samson's renaissance gave the CSK fans a glimmer of hope, as they finally discovered someone to look after and celebrate, just like they whistled for their beloved Thala over the years. Also Read: Varun Chakaravarthy Firing Shots At KKR Leadership? Cryptic Message Hints Big Revolt
