Forget the big shots. Forget the damning blows with the bat that often tarnish the reputation of the best bowlers from around the world and give the best of wicket takers nightmares. Forget all of the rescuing acts with the bat and the famous reputation as a “finisher” that came along to brandish itself alongside his name. Mahendra Singh Dhoni aka MSD has been iconised, lest we forget, as a wicketkeeper. First and foremost!

The glittery image of him strategising from behind the stumps and taking those blinders and effecting amazing run outs- all as wicketkeeper- have helped create a lasting legacy.

In the IPL for almost 18 full years. Right?

But there’s a chance this time around. Dhoni won’t be playing as a keeper in CSK’s side. He’ll he handing over the famous responsibility on the young and able shoulders of Sanju Samson.  

The recent CSK recruit who’s made his way to the Chennai outfit from Rajathan Royals will now be wicket keeping for the famous yellow and gold outfit in the times to come.

And this sweeping change is a headlining act and begins from the 2026 season.

So no more Thala from behind the stumps, just as a key senior figurehead and lower order destructor.

The times change, don’t they? Also Read | Who will replace MS Dhoni in CSK Playing XI?