AB de Villiers Advocates for MS Dhoni to Bat Higher in IPL 2026
AB de Villiers' Insights on CSK and MS Dhoni
As the Indian Premier League (IPL) approaches, former South African cricketer AB de Villiers has expressed that the legendary Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and former Indian captain MS Dhoni should consider batting higher in the lineup. He believes that Sanju Samson, who recently joined CSK after a long tenure with the Rajasthan Royals (RR), is well-suited to become the franchise's leading star.
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 recently crowned T20 World Cup 'Player of the Tournament', facing off against his former team. His addition to CSK is expected to be a significant advantage, as he brings valuable insights from his extensive experience with RR, where he played for over a decade. Sanju was traded to CSK for his original price of Rs 18 crores, which RR had retained him for prior to the last season. In exchange, CSK provided RR with two talented all-rounders, Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. Jadeja, who began his career with RR before a long stint with CSK, will be returning to his roots this season, although his price has decreased from Rs 18 crores to Rs 14 crores. Curran will continue to play for RR at his current fee of Rs 2.4 crores.
Reassessing Dhoni's Batting Position
During an appearance on JioStar's 'IPL Today Live', de Villiers discussed MS Dhoni's evolving role within CSK. He noted that by batting lower in the order and not leading the team, Dhoni seems to be occupying a spot for the wrong reasons. AB suggested that given Dhoni's ability to impact games as a finisher, he should ideally bat at least at number six, with opportunities to bat at five or four as well.
"It's a complex situation regarding Dhoni's role with CSK in recent years. Brands take time to build, and CSK has established a strong identity over the years with Dhoni at the helm. When people think of CSK, Dhoni is the first name that comes to mind. In recent seasons, his role has shifted towards maintaining that brand strength. Therefore, I don't see a place for him batting at eight or nine without making a significant contribution, as seen last season. He can still be impactful, but he needs to bat higher up the order, ideally at six, and possibly at five or four at times," de Villiers remarked.
Sanju Samson: The Future of CSK
The inclusion of Sanju Samson in the squad raises questions about Dhoni's future, as the 44-year-old cricketing icon approaches the end of his career. Over the past few years, Dhoni has primarily played as a lower-order hitter capable of hitting sixes in the death overs. De Villiers commented on the potential transition of leadership to Samson, stating, "It's a delicate situation, but Sanju is the right candidate to take over. Dhoni deserves credit for patiently waiting for the right successor. If MS plays, I hope he embraces the pressure and steps up in crucial moments."
Samson's Legacy with Rajasthan Royals
Samson has been a pivotal figure for the Rajasthan Royals, representing the franchise for over a decade across 11 seasons. He joined RR in 2013 and quickly became a key player, being retained ahead of the 2014 season at just 19 years old.
After a two-year suspension for RR in 2016-17, he returned in 2018 and assumed captaincy in 2021. Under his leadership and with the support of team director Kumar Sangakkara, RR reached the IPL final in 2022, marking their first appearance since winning the inaugural edition in 2008. Samson captained the team in 67 matches, achieving a balanced record of 33 wins and 33 losses.
His standout season came in 2024, where he amassed 531 runs at an average of 48.27 and a strike rate of 153.47, including five half-centuries. Although he was retained for Rs 18 crore ahead of the 2025 season, an injury sidelined him for the latter half of the tournament, contributing to RR's struggles, finishing ninth out of ten teams.
In the 2025 season, he scored 285 runs in nine innings, averaging over 35 with a strike rate exceeding 140, including one fifty. During the 2016 and 2017 seasons, he also played for the Delhi Capitals when RR was suspended.
Samson stands as RR's leading run-scorer in both the IPL and Champions League T20, with a total of 4,219 runs in 155 matches and 150 innings, averaging 31.96 with a strike rate above 140, including two centuries and 26 fifties.