As IPL 2026 approaches, the spotlight once again turns to MS Dhoni and his evolving role within Chennai Super Kings. With the franchise already initiating a clear transition plan—handing over captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad and bringing in Sanju Samson—questions are being raised about how Dhoni will fit into the setup this season. For years, Dhoni has been the heartbeat of CSK, not just as a captain but as a leader who reads the game better than most.

However, with Gaikwad now leading the side and Samson likely to take over wicketkeeping duties in the near future, the team faces a delicate balancing act—one that involves maximising Dhoni’s value while also preparing for life beyond him. Much of the speculation revolves around whether Dhoni could take on a more limited role, possibly even featuring as an Impact Player. But former India opener Aakash Chopra believes that such a move wouldn’t do justice to Dhoni’s greatest strength—his on-field intelligence.

“You don’t run the team from the dugout, it’s not football,” Aakash Chopra remarked. “In cricket, you need to be on the field, and MS Dhoni’s biggest asset is his ability to read the game better than anybody else.”

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Chopra also hinted that this season could realistically be Dhoni’s last. “In any case, I feel this could be his last season. He has the heir apparent now. Sanju Samson will eventually don the gloves… But he cannot be the Impact Player. If he is playing as an Impact Player, I think it’s time for him to hang up his boots,” he added.

Dhoni’s physical condition remains another key factor. The veteran has been managing a knee issue for some time, which has visibly affected his mobility and forced him to bat lower down the order in recent seasons. While his batting role has reduced, his influence on the field remains immense.

Echoing similar sentiments, former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis emphasised that CSK need Dhoni the strategist more than Dhoni the batter.

“MS Dhoni is the best tactician and one of the most successful cricketers in the game when it comes to leadership,” Faf du Plessis said. He also acknowledged the franchise’s transition phase. “They had to look at who was going to be the next captain. Ruturaj was the next guy, and I thought he did a great job,” he noted.

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But for Faf du Plessis, Dhoni’s true value lies elsewhere. “In terms of tactics, MS is one of the most brilliant minds. I’ll always have him on the field because you need his cricketing brain,” he explained.

As CSK prepare for IPL 2026, the challenge will be clear—finding the right balance between transition and experience. And in that equation, MS Dhoni’s presence, whether as a player, mentor, or tactician, could still be the difference-maker.