AB de Villiers questions MS Dhoni’s role at CSK, urges him to bat higher in IPL 2026

AB de Villiers questions MS Dhoni’s role at CSK, urging him to bat higher in IPL 2026 or risk taking up a spot without enough impact in the playing XI

MS Dhoni (Image Credit: @ChennaiIPL)

South Africa’s former cricketer AB de Villiers questioned MS Dhoni’s role at Chennai Super Kings (CSK) since he is not batting up the order. Dhoni, who has been an integral part of the CSK squad and has played for the team since inception. Under his captaincy, CSK won the finals five times and hence, he is one of the most successful skippers in the tournament.

However, ever since he has passed on the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad, he has not been actively participating. He is batting and keeping behind the stumps. However, his batting positions have seen a fluctuation in the previous season. He has stayed down the order that hasn’t helped the team much in the tournament.

“We know he can be impactful with the bat, but if he's 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 for 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,” said AB de Villiers as quoted by PTI.

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It’s a tricky situation: AB de Villiers

The former player has shed light on Sanju Samson’s inclusion in the squad and how that might help CSK get a keeper after MS Dhoni. The former CSK captain might announce his retirement soon and after him, the team needed another keeper and a responsible player. Samson has played for 13 seasons in the tournament and is quite experienced. Having him around is a huge help for Ruturaj Gaikwad.

“It is a tricky situation, but Sanju Samson is the right guy to take over, and credit to Dhoni because he has 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.”

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