Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes the youngsters of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have a golden opportunity to learn from the experience of veteran wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni during the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.
Speaking to JioStar, Pathan highlighted Dhoni’s preparation and fitness ahead of the 19th edition of the IPL and 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.”
Pathan added that CSK is currently shaping its future with a younger group of players, but the experience of one of the most successful captains in IPL history will help the team grow.
“We have seen him take responsibility for a number of years now, but I think this is the time for the baton to pass on to the likes of Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube and Ruturaj Gaikwad, who is a young captain as well. CSK’s ideology has changed. It will be key for the youngsters to learn from MS Dhoni’s experience, and for him to take the players ahead alongside him,” Pathan said.
Dhoni led CSK to five IPL titles in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021 and 2023. As a wicketkeeper, he holds the record for the most dismissals in IPL history, with 201 dismissals in 278 matches. He has also scored 4,865 runs for CSK in the tournament.
Talking about the team, Pathan added, “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.”
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