AB de Villiers Advocates for MS Dhoni to Bat Higher in IPL 2026

AB de Villiers on CSK's Strategy for IPL 2026

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], March 17: As the Indian Premier League (IPL) approaches, former South African cricketer AB de Villiers has emphasized the need for the legendary Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and former Indian captain MS Dhoni to elevate their batting positions. He believes that Sanju Samson, who recently joined CSK after a long tenure with the Rajasthan Royals (RR), is well-suited to step into the spotlight as the franchise's leading player.

Upcoming Match and Samson's Impact

The five-time champions are set to kick off their 2026 IPL campaign against the Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati on March 30. This match will feature Sanju, the newly crowned T20 World Cup 'Player of the Tournament', facing off against his previous team. His experience will be invaluable for CSK, as he can provide insights about RR, a team he represented for over a decade.

Trade Details and Player Movements

Sanju was acquired by CSK for his original price of Rs 18 crores, which RR had retained him for prior to the last season. In exchange, CSK sent two skilled all-rounders, Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran, to RR. Jadeja, who began his career with the Royals before enjoying a lengthy spell with CSK under Dhoni, will return to his roots this season, albeit at a reduced price of Rs 14 crores. Curran will continue with RR at his current fee of Rs 2.4 crores.

De Villiers Discusses Dhoni's Role

During an appearance on JioStar's 'IPL Today Live', de Villiers shared his thoughts on Dhoni's evolving role within CSK. He suggested that by batting lower in the order and not leading the team, Dhoni is merely occupying a spot for the wrong reasons. He believes that Dhoni should ideally bat at least at number six, and possibly even higher on occasion, given his potential impact as a finisher.

Future Considerations for Dhoni and Samson

Sanju's addition to the squad raises questions about Dhoni's future, as the 44-year-old cricketing icon is nearing the end of his career. In recent years, he has primarily batted as a lower-order hitter, known for his ability to hit sixes in the final overs.

Samson: The Future Star

De Villiers remarked on the potential for Sanju to take over as the franchise's marquee player and future captain, stating, “It’s a tricky situation, but Sanju Samson is the right guy to take over. Credit to Dhoni for waiting for the right person to step in. If MS plays, I want him to embrace the pressure and be the one to handle those crucial moments.”

Samson's Journey with Rajasthan Royals

Samson has been a key figure for the Rajasthan Royals for over a decade, having joined the franchise in 2013. He quickly established himself as a vital player and was retained ahead of the 2014 season at just 19 years old. After a two-year suspension for RR, he returned in 2018 and took on the captaincy in 2021, leading the team to the IPL final in 2022, their first since winning the inaugural edition in 2008.

Samson's Performance Stats

As captain, Samson led RR in 67 matches, achieving a balanced record of 33 wins and 33 losses. His standout season came in 2024, where he scored 531 runs at an average of 48.27 and a strike rate of 153.47, including five half-centuries. Despite a side injury that affected his performance in the latter half of the 2025 season, he still managed to score 285 runs in nine innings. Throughout his IPL career, he has amassed 4,219 runs in 155 matches, making him RR's top run-scorer.