Sanju Samson or MS Dhoni: Who will keep wickets for CSK in IPL 2026?

MS Dhoni has not kept wickets in only eight IPL matches across the 2008 and 2009 seasons for Chennai Super Kings

After a forgettable 2025 season, the five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are all set to start their campaign in IPL 2026 against Rajasthan Royals on Monday, March 30, in Guwahati.

 

CSK once again start the season with a well-stacked squad, all eyes will once again be on their former captain and veteran MS Dhoni. Despite relinquishing his captaincy duties to Ruturaj Gaikwad back in 2024 and demoting himself lower in the batting order, Dhoni remains a crucial part of CSK’s set-up in the upcoming season.

 

However, one of the biggest questions for the Chennai-based franchise will be who will handle the wicketkeeping duties for the team. 

A transition phase for CSK

For over a decade, Dhoni has been the undisputed presence behind the stumps for CSK. Since his debut in 2008, his sharp glovework and unmatched tactical acumen have played a pivotal role in building one of the most successful franchises in IPL history. But IPL 2026 could signal the beginning of a transition.

 

 

With Dhoni widely expected to be in the final phase of his IPL career, CSK’s decision to bring in Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals is not just a squad upgrade — it is a long-term investment. Samson, a proven performer and former IPL-winning captain, represents the franchise’s future both as a wicketkeeper and a potential leader. 

What will be Samson’s role for CSK?

Despite his leadership credentials, Samson is unlikely to replace Ruturaj Gaikwad as captain. Instead, he is expected to slot into the top order — a role CSK have struggled to stabilise in recent seasons.

 

Samson’s arrival directly addresses that issue. Known for his aggressive yet elegant stroke play, he brings both intent and consistency at the top. More importantly, he enters IPL 2026 with renewed confidence after his impactful performances in India’s recent World Cup campaign.

 

On top of that, while there has been no hint from the franchise or the player that Samson will keep wickets in place of Dhoni, he is likely to don the wicket-keeping gloves.

 

But in the scenario of Sanju standing behind the wicket, will CSK might give Dhoni rest, or will they use him as an impact player? Only time will tell. The most obvious choice will be playing Chennai's beloved Thala as impact sub. 

Why CSK needed Samson

CSK’s struggles in recent seasons have largely revolved around a lack of firepower and consistency in the batting order. Samson’s inclusion addresses both concerns.

 

His IPL record reflects a batter in his prime. With over 4700 runs at a strike rate close to 140, and a standout 2024 season where he scored 531 runs at a strike rate above 150, Samson offers both stability and explosiveness.

 

Additionally, his experience as a captain and wicketkeeper makes him a multi-dimensional asset — something CSK have always valued.

 

Sanju Samson’s numbers as a batter and wicketkeeper in IPL:

 

Year	Mat	No	Runs	HS	Avg	SR	100	50	CT	ST
Career	177	20	4704	119	30.95	139.05	3	26	86	17
2025	9	1	285	66	35.63	140.39	0	1	4	1
2024	16	4	531	86	48.27	153.47	0	5	6	1
2023	14	2	362	66*	30.17	153.39	0	3	3	3
2022	17	1	458	55	28.63	146.79	0	2	14	2
2021	14	2	484	119	40.33	136.72	1	2	7	4
2020	14	1	375	85	28.84	158.89	0	3	9	2
2019	12	2	342	102*	34.2	148.69	1	0	4	1
2018	15	1	441	92*	31.5	137.81	0	3	5	0
2017	14	0	386	102	27.57	141.39	1	2	4	0
2016	14	3	291	60	26.45	112.35	0	1	3	1
2015	14	1	204	76	20.4	125.15	0	1	9	0
2014	13	0	339	74	26.07	124.17	0	2	5	2
2013	11	2	206	63	25.75	115.73	0	1	13	0

 

 

How might CSK miss Dhoni as a keeper?

In the last couple of seasons, Dhoni’s agility behind the wickets has been sub-par, unlike his youth when he was considered one of the quickest. This means that while Samson replacing Dhoni as CSK’s wicketkeeper sounds a little far-fetched, it is not unrealistic.

 

However, if Dhoni decides to pass the baton to Samson, it will be a very tough call for CSK — even bigger than allowing the former skipper to come to bat lower in the order.

 

Dhoni has been considered one of the best cricketing minds, with his quick planning and game-reading abilities being among the reasons why the Chennai-based franchise have five IPL trophies in their cabinet.

 

Despite not being the captain for the last two seasons, Dhoni has been helpful on the ground with his inputs from behind the wickets. While Samson has also been exceptional in the same skill, Dhoni outshines him with his vast experience.

 

Dhoni’s numbers as a batter and wicketkeeper in IPL:

 

Year	Mat	No	Runs	HS	Avg	SR	100	50	CT	ST
Career	278	100	5439	84*	38.3	137.45	0	24	158	47
2025	14	5	196	30*	24.5	135.17	0	0	6	5
2024	14	8	161	37*	53.67	220.55	0	0	10	0
2023	16	8	104	32*	26	182.46	0	0	7	3
2022	14	6	232	50*	33.14	123.4	0	1	9	0
2021	16	4	114	18*	16.28	106.54	0	0	13	0
2020	14	4	200	47*	25	116.27	0	0	15	1
2019	15	7	416	84*	83.2	134.62	0	3	11	5
2018	16	9	455	79*	75.83	150.66	0	3	11	3
2017	16	4	290	61*	26.36	116	0	1	10	3
2016	14	5	284	64*	40.57	135.23	0	1	8	4
2015	17	5	372	53	31	121.96	0	1	8	3
2014	16	10	371	57*	74.2	148.4	0	1	3	1
2013	18	5	461	67*	41.9	162.89	0	4	15	2
2012	19	5	358	51*	29.83	128.77	0	1	12	2
2011	16	4	392	70*	43.55	158.7	0	2	5	5
2010	13	2	287	66*	31.88	136.66	0	2	5	6
2009	14	5	332	58*	41.5	127.2	0	2	4	4
2008	16	4	414	65	41.4	133.54	0	2	6	0

Instances where Dhoni did not play as wicketkeeper in IPL

MS Dhoni has not kept wickets in only six IPL matches for Chennai Super Kings in his career. Parthiv Patel kept wickets for Chennai in their last five matches of IPL 2008, including the semi-final against Kings XI Punjab and the final against Rajasthan Royals.

 

Parthiv also kept wickets for Chennai in their campaign opener of IPL 2009 against Mumbai Indians before Dhoni took over the role once again.

International cricket record

Dhoni kept wickets in every international match he played across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, with no instances of playing purely as a specialist batsman. He holds records such as the most dismissals by an Indian keeper (829 total), including 256 catches and 38 stumpings in Tests, and 91 T20I dismissals. 

Filling Dhoni’s shoes

Taking over from Dhoni in Chennai goes far beyond numbers. The 42-year-old is not just a cricketer but a cultural icon — “Thala” to millions of CSK fans.

 

For Samson, the challenge will be to build that connection. While his familiarity with Chennai and support from the Malayali fan base could help, ultimately, performances on the field will determine how quickly he earns the Chepauk crowd’s trust.