Will MS Dhoni play for CSK in IPL 2026 after Sanju Samson's inclusion?

CSK acquired Sanju Samson’s services after completing a marquee trade with RR.

Sanju Samson enjoyed the best month of his cricketing career in March this year, as he became the Player of the Tournament at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. It was an inspirational ride for the Keralite wicket-keeper, who went from not playing to top-scoring with the bat for his nation in three consecutive knockout matches.

Earlier, Samson rarely got the chance to convert a good start into a big score. However, he finally showcased his talent and helped India create history by becoming the first team to defend their T20 World Cup title and win it on home soil.

Now all eyes are on the much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL 2026), where Sanju Samson will be seen in a new jersey this time.

After captaining the Rajasthan Royals for more than 4 years, Samson was traded to the 5-time IPL winners, the Chennai Super Kings. In exchange, CSK released their star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran.

Will MS Dhoni play after Sanju’s arrival?

There is a lot of discussion going on about the role of former CSK captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni in the upcoming IPL season. The Super Kings boast a formidable batting lineup this year, which has been massively enhanced since last year.

With the inclusion of Samson, they now have a reliable wicketkeeper and top-order batsman. With Dhoni already 44 years old and clearly past his prime, questions hover over his place in the playing XI and what his role would be this year.

CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan responded to all rumours and assured fans that they will soon see the 2011 Cricket World Cup skipper back in action.

“He will play the matches, all matches,” said Viswanathan. The CEO was also questioned if Dhoni would play as an impact player this year, to which he replied: “I can’t say. That’s a cricketing decision which will be taken by the cricketing staff, not by the administrative staff. They will decide whether he is going to play as a batter, or a wicketkeeper-batter or as an Impact Player.”

This clearly suggests that Dhoni will certainly play the initial matches for CSK. However, his role in the team remains uncertain. Ruturaj Gaikwad will lead the five-time champions, and they will begin their campaign against the Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati on March 30.

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