MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli (Source: AFP and X)
The bond between MS Dhoni and CSK has long been one of the most special relationships in the IPL. Since the league began in 2008, MS Dhoni has been the face of the franchise. However, ahead of IPL 2026, a new question has emerged: Does MS Dhoni still have a defined role in the team?
Former South Africa and RCB star AB de Villiers has raised serious questions about MS Dhoni's place in the CSK playing XI.
Is CSK forcing a spot for MS Dhoni?
The fact that cannot be denied is that MS Dhoni might be entering his final IPL season. While his legacy remains unmatched, his role in the team has steadily declined over the past few years.
Dhoni stepped down from captaincy ahead of the 2024 season, handing leadership to Ruturaj Gaikwad. With Sanju Samson now part of the CSK setup, even wicketkeeping duties could shift away from him.
Also Read: MS Dhoni Extremely Angry With CSK, Set To Leave After Commitment
The introduction of the Impact Player rule has further limited Dhoni’s involvement. He is now often used as a late-order batter, coming in for a few deliveries to score quick runs. While this approach has worked occasionally, it has also led to inconsistency.
AB de Villiers questions MS Dhoni's role in IPL 2026
Speaking ahead of IPL 2026, AB de Villiers said he does not see value in MS Dhoni batting at No. 8 or 9, especially if he is no longer leading the side.
"I don’t see a role for MS batting at 8 or 9 and not really doing enough," AB de Villiers remarked.
Speaking to JioHotstar - "If he's going to play the role of batting at 8 or 9 and not really captaining, then I just feel he's almost making up a spot and is almost there for the wrong reasons. And that's not the position that he deserves to be in." AB de Villiers said.
Despite his criticism, AB de Villiers made it clear that he still sees value in Dhoni, but only if his role changes.
He suggested that Dhoni should move up the batting order, ideally to No. 5 or 6, where he can have a greater impact on the game. According to him, Dhoni needs to take more responsibility and put himself in pressure situations, much like he did in his prime.
“He has got to bat himself up to at least number 6. I would even like to see him at 5 or 4 sometimes,” de Villiers said.
A farewell season for MS Dhoni?
Since CSK won the title in 2023, speculation about Dhoni’s retirement has grown. Every season has been surrounded by questions about whether it will be his last.
IPL 2026 could finally be that moment. If so, it adds emotional weight but also poses a challenge for CSK management to balance sentiment with team performance.
It is vital to note that CSK will start their IPL 2026 first-phase journey against the Rajasthan Royals on March 30. Then the 'Yellow Army' will face PBKS on April 3 at M. A. Chidambaram Stadium.
In their third encounter of the season, the Ruturaj Gaikwad- led team will face RCB on April 5, followed by their last match against Delhi Capitals on April 11.
Also Read: Josh Hazlewood's RCB Availability In IPL 2026 Detailed
