As the countdown to the 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) begins, former South Africa cricketer AB de Villiers has questioned the role of legendary MS Dhoni in the Chennai Super Kings setup. De Villiers pointed out that if Dhoni continues to bat very low in the order without a defined leadership role, then the legendary wicketkeeper-batter might be there for the wrong reasons. 

Dhoni, on the other hand, is not just a player for CSK; he is its identity. Since the inception of the Indian Premier League (IPL), he has been the cornerstone around which the franchise has been built. However, as time has progressed, so too has his role within the team. De Villiers suggested Dhoni should bat higher up the order to influence games more directly. Interestingly, Dhoni has stepped back from full-time captaincy, with Ruturaj Gaikwad having assumed leadership. Still, Dhoni continues to remain a central figure in CSK's lineup. 

The five-time champions are entering IPL 2026 after a disappointing 2025 campaign, where they finished at the bottom of the table. Heading into the new season, CSK have made a notable change, bringing in dynamic wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson. There have also been speculations around Dhoni’s retirement. Each season seems to carry the question of whether it will be his last. 

"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," De Villiers said on JioStar.

AB de Villiers felt that Dhoni should take on a more daring role, batting at No. 5 or higher. Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati on March 30.

"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," he said.