Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Anil Kumble has opined that MS Dhoni might not keep wickets for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2026. While observing that Sanju Samson will likely perform the wicketkeeping duties, he reckoned that Dhoni might play as an impact player. Ad CSK traded in Samson from the Rajasthan Royals (RR) ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. They traded Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to the Jaipur-based franchise in return. During a discussion on Star Sports, Kumble was asked what Samson’s trade to CSK means to him. “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,” the former India spinner responded. Ad Trending “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. MS Dhoni kept wickets in all 14 games CSK played in IPL 2025. He even led the side after Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out of the tournament due to a fracture in his elbow. Ad “He feels he is far more involved when he is also keeping wickets” Saba Karim on MS Dhoni’s likely role for CSK in IPL 2026 In the same discussion, former India selector Saba Karim opined that MS Dhoni would continue to play as a wicketkeeper-batter in IPL 2026. Ad “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. Ad The former India wicketkeeper-batter highlighted that Dhoni can read the game and guide the bowlers better from behind the stumps. “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. MS Dhoni accounted for 11 dismissals (six catches and five stumpings) behind the wickets in IPL 2025. It remains to be seen if he plays all games in IPL 2026 and whether he keeps wickets in each of those matches. × Feedback Why did you not like this content? Clickbait / Misleading Factually Incorrect Hateful or Abusive Baseless Opinion Too Many Ads Other Was this article helpful? Thank You for feedback Get real-time updates on IPL 2025, live scores, IPL Prediction, match schedule, points table, Result & squad -CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS Edited by Kartik Iyer.
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“I feel Sanju may be keeping wickets” – Former RCB captain’s massive claim on MS Dhoni ahead of IPL 2026
