Published: March 18, 2026 at 11:01 am
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) decided to trade in Sanju Samson ahead of the TATA IPL 2026 auction as part of their succession plans. Will Samson be the one to replace the iconic MS Dhoni as captain? Even though Ruturaj Gaikwad is leading the side, one feels Samson will be the one who will soon take charge of the CSK.
What will be Dhoni’s role in the CSK setup this season? Last year too Dhoni had a far lesser impact on the results than he usually had. Is the Dhoni magic fading?
Samson completes a remarkable turnaround with T20 WC Player of the Tournament award
“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,” said AB de Villiers said on JioStar’s IPL Today Live show.
Dhoni needs to bat higher this season, de Villiers
AB de Villiers said Dhoni has been waiting for the right person to take over and Sanju Samson is the guy to do so. “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. 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,” he said.
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
Former India captain Anil Kumble said the arrival of Sanju Samson in the CSK setup is a good move. “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,” said Kumble.
Samson is a similar mould to MS, says Kumble
“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. 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,” he said.
On Sanju Samson’s role as unofficial vice-captain, Kumble said: “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 of time, so that leadership role comes naturally to him, and that’s something CSK will be looking for.
Ruturaj Gaikwad was identified, and it is good that he continues as captain despite Sanju coming into the scheme of things, says Anil Kum
“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 if Ruturaj is unavailable due to injury or otherwise, Sanju would probably take over rather than MS,” Kumble added.
Dhoni’s legacy will always be there
On CSK’s dilemma of sustaining MS Dhoni’s legacy while also having one eye on the future, the legendary leg-spinner said: “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. Sachin Tendulkar played for India for 24 years, and then the next generation came in, but his legacy still remains and will continue for a long time.
The legacy of MS Dhoni for CSK and Indian cricket will remain forever, and that is not going to change
“Similarly, the legacy of MS Dhoni for CSK and Indian cricket will remain forever, and that is not going to change. It is just a matter of understanding what CSK needs to do. They got a bit of a reality check last season when the likes of Ayush Mhatre and Dewald Brevis came in. The energy and the kind of cricket these youngsters played would have sparked a thought that it is time to start building a younger team, and that is exactly what they have done in this auction,” he stated.
