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IPL 2026: Samson Is One Player Dhoni Would Want To Pass The Baton To, Says Pathan

Chennai Super Kings: Former India left-arm pacer Irfan Pathan believes Sanju Samson could be the natural successor to MS Dhonis role at Chennai Super Kings (CSK), adding that the wicketkeeper-batter is someone fans could identify and connect with. Dhoni has led CSK to five IPL titles, but has increasingly batted lower down the order in recent seasons. Samson, meanwhile, is coming off after being Player of the Tournament in India winning the 2026 Mens T20 World Cup. This will be Samsons first season with CSK after leaving Rajasthan Royals. It looks like this will be MS Dhonis last season. The signs are there because, if you look at the Chennai setup, they have brought in a wicketkeeper-batsman who can play for the next few years. You can build your team around him and he can be the face of the franchise, that is Sanju Samson. He has also upgraded himself in terms of form in international cricket. He has just won a World Cup and has been batting fantastically well. That is one player MS Dhoni would want to pass the baton to, someone who has the caliber to do all that and whom even the fans can identify and connect with. With Sanjus arrival, I feel Dhoni can now say that maybe it is time for him to pass on that baton. But should this have happened earlier? Because I feel that a player like MS Dhoni cannot be just a two-over player. You do not build your legacy like that. So yes, I think the time is right, said Pathan on JioStar. He also noted that Dhonis role as a finisher has diminished with age, adding that he should take greater responsibility with the bat in this season for at least last four to five overs. When CSK won their last trophy in Ahmedabad, there were already talks that he was coming too low down the order, even before those discussions gained momentum. With Sanjus arrival, I feel Dhoni can now say that maybe it is time for him to pass on that baton. But should this have happened earlier? Because I feel that a player like MS Dhoni cannot be just a two-over player. You do not build your legacy like that. So yes, I think the time is right, said Pathan on JioStar. Also Read: Live Cricket Score We had not seen that from MS Dhoni before. That is happening more frequently now. So, if you are playing, you have to take more responsibility for your side and bat for at least four or five overs. It will be beneficial for the team, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

27 Mar 2026 12:28 pm