Former South African captain AB de Villiers has questioned MS Dhoni's role at CSK ahead of IPL 2026, saying the latter must bat higher or risk playing for the wrong reasons as Sanju Samson's arrival reshapes the franchise’s lineup.

With the Impact Player rule in place, Dhoni’s batting services have not been needed extensively over the past two editions. His role with the bat has largely been limited to late-order cameos.

CSK’s squad for the 2026 season features three wicketkeeper batters. Samson has been traded from Rajasthan Royals in exchange of Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. There is also Urvil Patel in the lineup, in addition to the 14.20 crore recruit, Kartik Sharma.

"I don't see a role for MS batting at 8 or 9 and not really doing enough," de Villiers said while peaking on JioHotstar.

"If he's going to play the role of batting at 8 or 9 and not really captaining, then I just feel he's almost making up a spot and is almost there for the wrong reasons. And that's not the position that he deserves to be in," he added.

While de Villiers still sees a place for Dhoni at CSK, it is only on different terms. "He's got to bat himself up to, at the latest, number 6. I would even like to see him at 5 or 4 sometimes," the RCB legend said.

He also praised Dhoni for his patience in waiting for the right successor, calling Samson the ideal candidate to take over the reins.

Since CSK's title win in 2023, MS Dhoni has defied retirement speculation and knee issues to continue his IPL journey.

Last year, the 44-year-old played all 14 league matches and also returned to the leadership role after regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out midway through the tournament due to injury.

However, Dhoni failed to turn CSK’s fortunes around as the five-time champions became the first team to be knocked out of the playoffs race and finished last in the points table for the first time ever.