Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan reckons the young players in the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have a great chance to learn from the experience of legendary wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni in the upcoming IPL 2026.
Irfan Pathan on Dhoni's fitness
With the 19th edition of the tournament around the corner, Dhoni’s continued presence in the CSK setup remains a major talking point. Pathan said that while CSK is clearly moving towards a younger squad, Dhoni’s influence in the dressing room will be very important in guiding the next generation of leaders.
Talking about Dhoni’s preparation and fitness ahead of the new season, Pathan said, “As soon as the IPL comes around, we start seeing Mahendra Singh Dhoni again, which means he is fully prepared for it, and he is looking very fit as well.”
It’s time for the baton to pass to the likes of Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, and Ruturaj Gaikwad: Irfan Pathan
CSK, one of the most successful franchises in IPL history, has been refreshing its squad while keeping a focus on experienced leadership. Players like Ruturaj Gaikwad are stepping into bigger roles, while emerging talents such as Dewald Brevis and Shivam Dube are expected to play key parts this season.
“We have seen Dhoni take responsibility for many years, but now it’s time for the baton to pass to the likes of Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, and Ruturaj Gaikwad, who is a young captain as well. CSK’s approach has changed, and it will be important for the youngsters to learn from Dhoni’s experience, with him guiding the players alongside him. It is a very exciting team on paper. In terms of six-hitting ability and intent, I am really looking forward to seeing the fearlessness from this young CSK side” added Pathan.
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CSK IPL 2026 schedule
| Date | Day | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30/03/26 | Mon | Rajasthan Royals vs. Chennai Super Kings | Guwahati |
| 03/04/26 | Fri | Chennai Super Kings vs. Punjab Kings | Chennai |
| 05/04/26 | Sun | Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs. Chennai Super Kings | Bengaluru |
| 11/04/26 | Sat | Chennai Super Kings vs. Delhi Capitals | Chennai |
CSK squad for IPL 2026
Ruturaj Gaikwad(C), MS Dhoni, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Dewald Brevis, Ayush Mhatre, Kartik Sharma, Sarfaraz Khan, Urvil Patel, Anshul Kamboj, Khaleel Ahmed, Noor Ahmad, Jamie Overton, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Prashant Veer, Matthew William Short, Aman Khan, Zak Foulkes, Mukesh Choudhary, Nathan Ellis, Shreyas Gopal, Gurjapneet Singh, Akeal Hosein, Matt Henry, Rahul Chahar.