AB de Villiers Urges MS Dhoni to Bat Higher in IPL 2026

In a recent statement, AB de Villiers urged MS Dhoni to bat no lower than sixth in the upcoming IPL 2026, highlighting the importance of his role for the Chennai Super Kings. As Dhoni prepares for the season, de Villiers emphasized the need for him to embrace pressure and take charge during crucial moments. With the addition of Sanju Samson as part of CSK's succession plan, the dynamics of leadership within the team are evolving. Kumble also shared insights on the transition of cricket icons and the significance of maintaining Dhoni's legacy while looking towards the future. This article delves into the challenges and expectations surrounding Dhoni's performance in the upcoming season.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 18, 2026, 02:21 IST

AB de Villiers' Advice for MS Dhoni

In a candid evaluation, South African cricket icon AB de Villiers expressed on Tuesday that MS Dhoni should not bat lower than the sixth position in the upcoming IPL. He emphasized that coming in at positions eight or nine undermines Dhoni's significant impact.

At 44, Dhoni is set to represent the Chennai Super Kings when the IPL kicks off on March 28. De Villiers encouraged Dhoni to reconsider his recent trend of batting lower in the order.

Discussing Dhoni's role within CSK for this IPL season, De Villiers remarked during an interview with JioHotstar, "It's a complex situation. Brands take years to establish, and CSK has built a legacy over time with Dhoni as a central figure. When CSK is mentioned, Dhoni is the first name that comes to mind."

He continued, "In recent years, Dhoni's role has primarily focused on maintaining the strength of that brand. Therefore, I don't see a place for him batting at eight or nine, as he did last season."

De Villiers acknowledged Dhoni's potential to make a difference with the bat but noted that if he bats too low and isn't captaining, it seems like he's merely filling a spot for the wrong reasons. "He still has a role, but he should bat higher, ideally at six, or even five or four at times," he added.

He also mentioned, "It's a delicate situation, but I believe Sanju Samson is the right choice to take over. Dhoni deserves credit for waiting for the right successor. If MS plays, I want him to embrace the pressure and be the one to tackle those crucial moments."

CSK has opted to trade for Sanju Samson ahead of the IPL 2026 auction as part of their succession strategy. De Villiers, along with Indian spin legend Anil Kumble, supported the in-form keeper-batter to smoothly transition into a leadership role.

Kumble shared his thoughts on CSK's decision to acquire Samson, stating, "The transition of icons from one generation to another is evident in Indian cricket, from Sunil Gavaskar to Sachin Tendulkar, then to Virat Kohli, with MS Dhoni also being a part of that lineage."

He added, "Players like Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly paved the way before the shift to MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli, who continue to carry that legacy. Sanju's arrival is a fantastic move for CSK, especially given his excellent form leading into the IPL and his recent World Cup success with three consecutive impactful performances." Kumble expressed confidence that CSK fans would resonate with Samson.

Kumble noted, "This connection will undoubtedly enhance the franchise's fan base. From Chennai's perspective, he fits their needs perfectly—being from Kerala, speaking Tamil, and serving as a wicketkeeper-batter similar to MS. His experience will be invaluable for CSK."

Regarding Samson's unofficial vice-captaincy, Kumble remarked, "That role suits Sanju perfectly, as he has captained Rajasthan for an extended period, making leadership come naturally to him, which is something CSK will seek." Ruturaj Gaikwad led CSK last season.

Kumble recalled, "Last year, when Ruturaj was injured, MS had to step in, and previously, when Ravindra Jadeja was captain, MS returned to lead midway through the season. Identifying the next captain has posed challenges for MS."

He added, "Ruturaj was chosen, and it's good that he remains captain despite Sanju's inclusion. I wouldn't be surprised if MS hands over the keeping duties to Sanju at some point during the season. He will be part of the leadership group, and if Ruturaj is unavailable due to injury or other reasons, Sanju would likely take over instead of MS," Kumble explained.

When asked about CSK's challenge of preserving Dhoni's legacy while planning for the future, Kumble stated, "The legacy will always exist, but at some point, you must move forward. Dhoni has made significant contributions to the franchise, and the brand is now closely associated with him. The legacy of MS Dhoni for CSK and Indian cricket will endure forever, and that will not change."