New Delhi, March 27: Former Indian fast bowler Irfan Pathan believes that Sanju Samson could be the ideal candidate to succeed MS Dhoni as the face of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the future. CSK is set to kick off its IPL 2026 campaign against Rajasthan Royals on March 30.
In an interview with ‘JioStar’, Pathan suggested that this could be Dhoni’s final IPL season. He noted that CSK has brought in a wicketkeeper-batsman like Samson, who has the potential to play for many more years and take over as the team’s leader after Dhoni. According to Pathan, Samson is a player that fans admire and can easily connect with.
Pathan praised Samson for his significant improvement in recent times, especially in international cricket. He highlighted Samson’s outstanding performance in the T20 World Cup, where he was named Player of the Tournament. This indicates that he is ready to take on the responsibilities of the team post-Dhoni.
He also mentioned that it is time for Dhoni to gradually hand over the captaincy to another player, with Samson being a strong option. Discussing Dhoni’s role, Pathan pointed out that while he used to finish matches in the final overs, his impact as a finisher has diminished due to age and fitness issues, particularly knee problems.
Pathan cited an IPL match where Dhoni managed to bring the game to the last moments against Sandeep Sharma but ultimately could not secure a win for Chennai. He remarked that while Dhoni used to excel in tough situations, such instances have become less frequent. Therefore, if Dhoni is playing, he should bat for at least four or five overs instead of just the last two to maximize the team’s advantage. In conclusion, Pathan emphasized that Dhoni’s legacy is immense, and he should continue to play at a high level. Meanwhile, the inclusion of a player like Samson bodes well for the team’s future.
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