AB de Villiers Urges MS Dhoni to Bat Higher for CSK or Step Aside in IPL 2026
Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers has stated that MS Dhoni must bat higher in the batting order for the Chennai Super Kings during the upcoming Indian Premier League season or consider vacating his roster spot. With the tournament scheduled to begin on March 28, the 44-year-old wicketkeeper-batter faces mounting scrutiny regarding his limited time at the crease.
Dhoni primarily batted at number eight or nine during recent campaigns. De Villiers argued that this strategy fails to maximize Dhoni’s value on the field. Speaking to the media, the former Royal Challengers Bengaluru star addressed the complex dynamic surrounding the Chennai Super Kings franchise and its iconic figurehead.
Evaluating Dhoni’s Impact and Roster Spot
The Chennai Super Kings built a massive brand around MS Dhoni over the past decade. De Villiers noted that the franchise identity is heavily tied to the veteran player but questioned the tactical utility of hiding him lower down the order.
- Brand Management: “I feel that in the last few years, his role has purely been about keeping that brand as strong as possible,” de Villiers said, via the ESPNcricinfo network.
- Position Issues: He emphasized that batting at eight or nine without captaincy duties amounts to occupying a spot for the wrong reasons.
- Required Adjustment: De Villiers suggested Dhoni needs to bat at number six, five, or even four to justify his inclusion in the playing eleven.
If Dhoni chooses to remain lower in the order, de Villiers believes he should transition fully into a coaching role. This would allow the team to field a versatile all-rounder capable of making a broader impact on the match.
MS Dhoni Recent Lower-Order Output
To contextualize the debate, examining Dhoni’s recent performance metrics highlights the high strike rate but limited ball consumption associated with his current batting position.
| Batting Position | Matches Played | Runs Scored | Strike Rate | Average Balls Faced |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Numbers 8 and 9 | 14 | 161 | 220.54 | 5.2 |
Leadership Succession: Gaikwad and Samson
De Villiers identified current captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and newly acquired Sanju Samson as the ideal candidates to lead the franchise forward. The Chennai Super Kings recently executed a trade with the Rajasthan Royals to bring Samson to the roster ahead of the 2026 auction, signaling a definitive shift in their long-term planning.
“It’s a tricky situation, but Sanju Samson is the right guy to take over,” de Villiers explained. He credited Dhoni for remaining with the team until the front office secured the right successor. You can review official roster updates on the official IPL website or track player movements via the Board of Control for Cricket in India portal.
For the upcoming season, de Villiers issued a direct challenge to the veteran wicketkeeper. If Dhoni remains in the active lineup, the expectation is that he will assume more responsibility with the bat and directly manage high-pressure situations rather than deferring to the lower order.