Legendary South African batsman AB de Villiers stated bluntly on Tuesday that MS Dhoni should bat no lower than number six in the forthcoming IPL because batting at eight or nine would not do justice to his presence.
The 44-year-old Dhoni will play for his team, the Chennai Super Kings, in the IPL beginning on March 28. De Villiers called on the icon to reverse his current pattern of batting further down the order.
De Villiers spoke to JioHotstar about Dhoni’s place in the CSK lineup in IPL season: “It’s very tricky and not straightforward. Brands are built over years, and CSK have built this empire over many years with this MS Dhoni figure that’s always been there. When you mention CSK, you immediately think of Dhoni.
“I feel that in the last few years, his role has purely been about keeping that brand as strong as possible. That’s why I don’t see a role for him batting at eight or nine and not really doing enough, like last season.
“We know he can be impactful with the bat, but if he’s batting that low and not captaining, it feels like he’s almost just making up a spot for the wrong reasons. There’s still a place for him, but he needs to bat higher, at least at six, maybe even at five or four at times.”
De Villiers added, “It’s a tricky situation, but Sanju Samson is the right guy to take over, and credit to Dhoni because he’s hung around, waiting for the right person to come. If MS plays, I want him to put himself under more pressure and be the guy to handle those big moments.”
As part of their succession plans, CSK chose to trade in Sanju Samson prior to the IPL 2026 auction. The versatile South African star, together with Indian spin great Anil Kumble, supported the in-form keeper-batter’s smooth transition into the leadership group.
Regarding CSK’s choice to sign Samson, Kumble stated, “Icons from one generation to another, the baton has passed on in Indian cricket, from Sunil Gavaskar to Sachin, then to Virat, with MS Dhoni also part of that era. You had the likes of Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly before the shift to MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli, who still carry that aura and continue to perform. In that sense, Sanju coming in is a great move for CSK. The icing on the cake is his fantastic form leading into the IPL and winning the World Cup for India with three back-to-back knocks.”
Additionally, Kumble thought Samson would connect with CSK fans.
“I’m sure that will certainly contribute to the franchise’s fan following. From a Chennai perspective, he fits their need, being Kerala-born, speaks Tamil, so there’s a connect; a wicketkeeper-batter, so in a similar mould to MS, and his experience will be valuable for CSK.”
Regarding Samson’s unofficial vice-captain position, Kumble stated, “I think that’s the perfect role for Sanju, handling those responsibilities almost like a vice-captain. He has captained Rajasthan for a long period, so that leadership role comes naturally to him, and that’s something CSK will be looking for.”
Last year, CSK was led by Ruturaj Gaikwad.
“Last year, when Ruturaj was injured, MS had to take over, and previously, when Ravindra Jadeja was also captain, MS Dhoni came back in as captain midway through the season. So there have been some challenges in identifying who the next captain would be for MS.
“Ruturaj was identified, and it is good that he continues as captain despite Sanju coming into the scheme of things. I wouldn’t be surprised if MS Dhoni gives Sanju the keeping role at some point during the season.
“He will be part of the leadership group, and in case Ruturaj is unavailable due to injury or otherwise, Sanju would probably take over rather than MS,” Kumble said.
When asked about CSK’s challenge of upholding Dhoni’s heritage while keeping an eye on the future, Kumble responded, “Legacy will always be there, but you have to move on at some point. He has contributed a lot to the franchise, and the brand is now synonymous with the individual.
“… The legacy of MS Dhoni for CSK and Indian cricket will remain forever, and that is not going to change.”
