13 March,2026 05:43 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
MS Dhoni (Pic: File Pic)
The upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is all set to kick off from March 28. So far, the schedule of only the first 20 matches has been released due to state elections.
Ahead of the IPL 2026, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is all set to begin their campaign by playing a clash against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on March 30th at the Assam Cricket Association Stadium in Guwahati.
Speaking about CSK, former Team India cricketer Irfan Pathan feels the team would be incomplete without the legendary MS Dhoni. He also stated that it would probably be the last time that fans may get to see Dhoni in the CSK's colours.
"CSK is incomplete without MS Dhoni. This season might be the last time we see him in the yellow jersey, and it's tough to imagine CSK and the IPL without him. This season, Dhoni will play an important role in bringing everyone together. I'm not sure how many games he will play. But his presence in the dressing room will help a lot," he said.
He then said that Sanju Samson's presence would benefit Chennai. The former cricketer also feels that the Chennai-based franchise will look to give Dhoni a perfect farewell by clinching their sixth title.
"Sanju will benefit because he will be part of the leadership group as well. Ruturaj Gaikwad is the leader. But as a group, two or three guys are being groomed for the future. That is where MS Dhoni comes in. I hope he makes a difference. Questions about his fitness, batting position, and whether he will play all games will still come up. The CSK team management will take it step by step. They will definitely look to give him a perfect farewell by lifting their sixth IPL trophy," said Pathan.
Ruturaj Gaikwad, MS Dhoni, Sanju Samson, Dewald Brevis, Ayush Mhatre, Kartik Sharma, Sarfaraz Khan, Urvil Patel, Anshul Kamboj, Jamie Overton, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Prashant Veer, Matthew Short, Aman Khan, Zak Foulkes, Shivam Dube, Khaleel Ahmed, Noor Ahmad, Mukesh Choudhary, Nathan Ellis, Shreyas Gopal, Gurjapneet Singh, Akeal Hosein, Matt Henry, Rahul Chahar.
(With ANI Inputs)
