MS Dhoni On The Wrong Side: CSK Great Faces Challenges Ahead Of IPL 2026 MS Dhoni, the veteran wicketkeeper-batter, is set to play his 19th Indian Premier League (IPL) season with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) despite facing age-related challenges. The 45-year-old, who will turn 45 in July, has been a key figure for the five-time champions but has seen his role on the field diminish in recent years. His contributions have become more limited, particularly in the 2025 season, where he was often brought into the batting lineup during the final overs of matches. Dhoni’s performance in IPL 2025 included scoring 196 runs at an average of 24.50 and a strike rate of 135.17. However, his ability to consistently perform at the highest level has been questioned, partly due to recurring fitness issues, including a persistent knee injury. Former India batter Aakash Chopra, who played for Kolkata Knight Riders in the tournament’s early years, highlighted the difficulties Dhoni faces as he approaches his 40th birthday. “Dhoni’s situation is a bit tough because he’s on the wrong side of 40. For him, not playing for 10 months, then turning up for the IPL and switching on, is the hardest part,” Chopra said on JioStar. He added that Dhoni’s role in the team often involves limited opportunities, with only 10-12 balls to face in key moments, alongside the physical demands of 20 overs of keeping. CSK’s management has made significant changes to their squad ahead of IPL 2026, aiming to rebuild after a disappointing 2025 season where the team finished at the bottom of the points table. The franchise has prioritized youth and fresh talent, overhauling their roster with a clear focus on long-term success.#ipl_2026 #chennai_super_kings #ms_dhoni #ipl_2025 #aakash_chopra
Former India batter Aakash Chopra has challenged Ajinkya Rahane to prove his worth ahead of IPL 2026, emphasizing the need for the KKR captain to silence lingering doubts about his ability to perform beyond the powerplay. Rahane, who led Kolkata Knight Riders to a strong finish in IPL 2025 with 390 runs in 12 innings at a strike rate of 147.72, faces scrutiny over his effectiveness against spin after the powerplay phase. While his leadership and scoring in the early overs impressed, critics argue his impact waned as field restrictions were lifted, particularly in crucial moments for KKR. Chopra, speaking on his YouTube channel, acknowledged his own past skepticism about Rahane’s post-powerplay performance but framed the upcoming season as an opportunity for the skipper to redefine his role. “Opportunities are plenty. Maybe Ajinkya Rahane, because I am one of those guys who have been slightly critical that he will have to be played in the powerplay as his role becomes extremely limited after that, but you can prove me wrong,” Chopra said. He stressed that Rahane’s ability to score consistently after the powerplay would be key to addressing the narrative that his contributions are confined to the early stages of an innings. The former batter also highlighted the broader context of KKR’s reliance on Gautam Gambhir, with some observers suggesting the franchise struggles without his influence as a player or mentor. Chopra believes Rahane now has the platform to counter that perception by steering KKR to a title. Additionally, he pointed to the growing importance of Rinku Singh within the team, currently serving as vice-captain. “Rinku Singh is the vice-captain. Could be a potential captain by the next season. So there could be a huge role for him. He is always made to bat down the order.#kkr #ajinkya_rahane #aakash_chopra #rinku_singh #varun_chakaravarthy
