Former Indian captain Anil Kumble has opined that Sanju Samson will take the wicket-keeping gloves for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026 ahead of MS Dhoni. Kumble reckons Dhoni will play as an impact player in IPL 2026.
CSK traded in Sanju Samson from the Rajasthan Royals in exchange for the all-round duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. Samson is also expected to bat in the top order for the five-time champions.
“That’s a massive shift. Obviously, CSK were looking at someone to come in as a replacement for MS Dhoni in the long run because MS can’t continue forever. So you needed a strong wicketkeeper, a strong presence on the field, and a batter, and Sanju brings both that,” Anil Kumble said on Star Sports.
“He has the leadership ability as well. It’s a good move for CSK, bringing in someone like Sanju Samson. The way I see MS’ role in this season, I don’t think he will be keeping wickets. I feel Sanju may be keeping wickets, and then MS playing the impact player role,” he added.
On the other hand, former Indian wicket-keeper Saba Karim had a different opinion as he said Dhoni brings more value to the team when he is behind the stumps.
“I feel MS will again continue to play as an all-rounder, as a keeper and batter, because I think he adds more value, not only to the side but also to himself as his own personality. He feels he is far more involved when he is also keeping wickets. He is able to understand the game better. He is able to offer advice in a much better manner,” he said.
“He is far more proactive. He is able to foresee the future, and I think that’s one of the biggest roles of a wicketkeeper these days. The idea to anticipate what may happen in the next delivery or the next over, that’s the kind of cue that Dhoni offers to the bowlers. All that can happen when he can marshal the resources from behind the stumps,” Saba observed.
Dhoni has been a livewire behind the stumps and his keeping skills are still one of the best in the world. Thus, it would be interesting to note his role in IPL 2026.
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