The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been synonymous with the ‘Thala’ factor, but as we approach the 2026 season, the conversation around Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are shifting from nostalgia to cold, hard strategy. In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Yellow Army’s fanbase, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has unveiled his ideal CSK playing XII for IPL 2026—and the most decorated captain in the league’s history, MS Dhoni, is nowhere to be found in the starting lineup.

With the season opener scheduled for March 28 and CSK set to face Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati on March 30, Pathan’s selection reflects a vision of a modernized, high-velocity batting order. His logic centres on the benefit to the franchise over sentimental value. Pathan argued that while Dhoni’s brief cameos in the final overs delight the crowd, they don’t necessarily provide the structural stability required for a championship run in the current hyper-competitive era.

MS Dhoni misses out as Irfan Pathan names Sanju Samson and Ayush Mhatre to lead the batting charge

Pathan’s blueprint for the 2026 season prioritizes youth and aggressive intent. In a surprising tactical shift, he opted for a fresh opening pair consisting of the young sensation Ayush Mhatre and the prolific Sanju Samson. This allows the incumbent skipper, Ruturaj Gaikwad, to slot in at No. 3, providing a solid anchor for the explosive middle order.

The middle phase of the innings in Pathan’s vision is dominated by power-hitters with range. Shivam Dube retains his spot as the primary spin-hitter, followed by the Dewald Brevis. However, the most debated inclusion is Sarfaraz Khan at No. 6. Pathan explicitly stated that for Sarfaraz to thrive and provide the necessary late-middle-order stability, Dhoni must step aside.

“If MS Dhoni says that he is playing and will play regularly, then that’s one thing. You see, there comes a time when even the greatest player in the world has to leave. Will he play every game or not? Will Mahendra Singh Dhoni play all the games or not? This is something I have believed and talked about for many years. If Dhoni plays, for at least the last two years, it’s true that even two overs are enough to please Chennai fans, but it doesn’t really benefit the Chennai team. If Dhoni wants to play, he should play at least four over,” Pathan noted on his YouTube channel.

He emphasized that if the veteran wicket-keeper does take the field, he must commit to batting at least four overs to justify his spot in the modern T20 ecosystem.

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Pathan focuses on strategic bowling depth and the ₹28 crore investment

Pathan’s selection also highlights CSK’s massive investment in uncapped domestic talent. He included Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer at No. 7 and No. 8, respectively. Both players were acquired for a staggering ₹14.2 crore each at the auction, and Pathan believes their all-round utility is essential for a balanced side.

The bowling department sees a heavy reliance on variety and recent form. Noor Ahmad, who was CSK’s leading wicket-taker in 2025 with 24 scalps, leads the spin attack alongside Caribbean Akeal Hosein. The pace battery features New Zealand’s Matt Henry, while Khaleel Ahmed is designated as the Impact Player to provide a left-arm angle. Interestingly, Pathan found no room for Anshul Kamboj or Rahul Chahar, opting instead for a lineup that prioritizes early wickets and mystery spin.

Irfan Pathan’s CSK Playing 12 (IPL 2026): Ayush Mhatre, Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Shivam Dube, Dewald Brevis, Sarfaraz Khan, Kartik Sharma, Prashant Veer, Akeal Hosein, Matt Henry, Noor Ahmad. Impact Player: Khaleel Ahmed.

Also READ: Former batter picks the ideal top-order of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for IPL 2026

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