MS Dhoni's IPL journey ends!! CSK to pick new wicketkeeper-batsman
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The Chennai Super Kings have been boasting MS Dhoni as the iconic face of their franchise for years now; however, considering his age, Dhoni would now himself be eager to call an end to his illustrious career. As per the latest reports, CSK are back in the hunt for a wicket-keeper batsman ahead of the upcoming mini-auction.
The 5-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings are still unsure about the future of MS Dhoni.
Dhoni must have made up his mind on a fixed retirement call, and the management needs to finalise their next wicket-keeper before the maestro plays his last game in the IPL.
The CSK team has slowly transitioned the captaincy from the hands of MS Dhoni to their new skipper, Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Ruturaj missed half of the previous season, which led MS Dhoni to step in as the substitute skipper. However, it remains confirmed that CSK has long-term plans to retain Gaikwad as the captain of the Men in Yellow.
CSK's hunt for a wicket-keeper batter continues ahead of IPL 2026
Chennai Super Kings have not only been the most successful franchise over the years, but also they have been a powerhouse of young talent.
Even in the previous season, which ended as their worst season in the history of the competition, the Super Kings led the way for the inclusion of several young and sporadic cricketers.
They found the new face of CSK opening in the form of 17-year-old Ayush Mhatre from Mumbai, who currently leads the India U-19 side.
They also brought in the likes of Dewald Brevis, who, after having a stellar season with CSK, went on to dominate world cricket with his batting antics. Noor Ahmed and Urvil Patel were among other significant mentions.
However, despite having all they have, they have been desperately looking for a new wicket-keeper batsman who could replace MS Dhoni in the side, as suggested by Rohit Juglan through his YouTube channel.
MS Dhoni possesses such unique finishing skills that it seems like a tough job. "CSK is looking for a wicket-keeper batsman. They have been looking for such a player for the past 4 seasons," said Juglan in his report.
The hunt continues as the IPL auction date has been scheduled on the 15th of December, which means CSK would have to quicken their search if they wish to acquire a player through the pre-season trade window.
Is CSK sidelining Sanju Samson talks despite the Royals' eagerness to let their former skipper go?
As per reports, CSK was the first as well as the most desperate team in the hunt for Sanju Samson ever since the rumours of his release from the Rajasthan Royals camp had fluttered on the internet.
Sanju Samson, the Rajasthan Royals skipper, was seen sitting out for most of the season in IPL 2025 and was also demoted to a new batting position at no. 3 due to the arrival of left-handed batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi.
After losing his position to the 14-year-old lad and also a portion of his captaincy to Riyan Parag, Samson had asked the franchise to release him, as he wished to explore his chances with other franchises in the competition.
Initially, CSK was the most eager team to sign Samson; however, maybe due to his dip in form in the Asia Cup, they have started to think of exploring more options before concluding.
However, it remains to be mentioned that teams like the Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians would also be eager to acquire a player of Samson's calibre since they are in the hunt for a gloveman too.
Urvil Patel and Devon Conway are the backup wicket-keepers for MS Dhoni in the CSK side
Other than MS Dhoni, currently the Chennai Super Kings also possess two other players who have featured in the XI in the last season, and they are wicket-keepers by role.
The likes of New Zealand batter Devon Conway and Indian youngster Urvil Patel are both substitute wicket-keepers.
Conway played initially in the season with much limited success, post which he was dropped, while Urvil featured in a set of games during the end part of the IPL and handed CSK some quickfire starts at the top of the order.
Patel is a clean striker of the ball and has the record for the fastest T20 hundred in the Indian domestic circle.
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