MS Dhoni [Source: AFP]Talismanic Indian cricketer MS Dhoni has yet to play a match in the IPL 2026. The former Chennai Super Kings captain is recovering from a calf injury, and it won't be surprising if he remains on the sidelines for the remainder of the season. In MS Dhoni's absence, Sanju Samson has performed the wicketkeeping duties for CSK in the IPL this season. The emergence of Urvil Patel and Kartik Sharma has also empowered the Super Kings with multiple wicketkeeping options amid MS Dhoni's injury setback. As the legendary cricketer recovers from a calf injury, Priyank Panchal, a former member of the Indian Test team, has announced his long-term replacement in the IPL. The historic trade that saw Sanju Samson's entry in CSK IPL squadSwashbuckling keeper-batter Sanju Samson served as the captain of Rajasthan Royals before a historic trade between RR and CSK saw him enter the Chennai Super Kings' IPL 2026 squad. The Royals traded Samson to CSK, securing the services of Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran in exchange. The trade turned out to be a masterstroke for the Super Kings, as Samson emerged as their most consistent performer in the IPL 2026. Priyank Panchal lauds CSK's trade, hails Samson as MS Dhoni's replacementSanju Samson has performed magnificently this season, scoring 402 runs, including two centuries, at a strike rate of 167.50. Priyank Panchal, who once made it into the Indian Test side, praised the CSK management for Samson's timely trade that empowered them with a suitable replacement for MS Dhoni. Also Read: Not Sanju Samson, Dewald Brevis! Michael Hussey Names 1 CSK Player Who Will Play Next 10 YearsThe former cricketer believes Samson is as composed as Dhoni with regard to his batting approach. His ability to guide the bowlers from behind the stumps and hold his nerves during tense run-chases presents Samson as Dhoni's long-term replacement in the CSK IPL squad. These qualities of the Kerala batter didn't go unnoticed by Priyank Panchal, as he publicly called him MS Dhoni's replacement. "CSK have finally and adequately replaced Mahi bhai with @IamSanjuSamson. His batting emanates a sense of composure that only Dhoni did back in the days. He always guides bowlers too, and is unfazed by any pressure during run chases. Great trade by CSK," Priyank Panchal posted on X. Sanju Samson shines for CSK amid Gaikwad's batting slumpChennai captain Ruturaj Gaikwad is enduring a lean patch in the IPL 2026. The stylish right-handed batter has yet to showcase consistency, scoring 251 runs at a modest average of 31.38 and a poor strike rate of 120.67. Samson, on the other hand, has oozed his class, playing several match-winning knocks for the franchise. Apart from a scintillating ton against Mumbai Indians, Samson has struck two excellent fifty-plus scores against Delhi Capitals, helping his side keep their playoff chances alive. He has already scored more than 400 runs and is active in the Orange Cap race, currently led by KL Rahul. Talking about MS Dhoni, there's still no clarity on the legendary player's IPL return in the Chennai Super Kings jersey. The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led team is placed sixth in the standings and will face Lucknow Super Giants in their eleventh group-stage match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on May 10. Also Read: Palash Mucchal In Legal Trouble, FIR Launched By Smriti Mandhana's Close Aide
