New Delhi, March 24 – Former South African player has opposed the idea of sending Chennai Super Kings (CSK) stalwart MS Dhoni higher up in the batting order in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, which will begin on March 28, stating that the former captain's strength lies in making the best use of the final overs.
Dhoni, who will be the oldest player in IPL 2026, is training hard ahead of the tournament. He had a poor season last year, batting at the 8th position and not being effective at the end. However, according to Du Plessis, this should not lead the team to change his position.
“There are a few players in the world who have that clarity and ability to perform effectively in the 19th and 20th overs. People think there is more pressure in the 19th and 20th overs than in the 16th. But his ability to focus on the last 18 balls of the match, when he can really concentrate on what is required, is unparalleled," Du Plessis told Jio Hotstar.
"If you send him in earlier and he gets out, you lose that advantage at the end. And there are enough players in CSK's middle order who can make a greater impact in those phases, players like Brevis and Dube, who are exceptional spin bowlers. That is their strength, so back them to do that. MS's strength has always been in overs 17 to 20, facing the fast bowlers,” he added.
The former CSK player also stated that Dhoni's presence on the field is crucial for the team's success, as he provides vital tactical support to the captain and has a deeper understanding of the game.
“MS Dhoni is the best tactician and one of the most successful cricketers in the game when it comes to leadership. But I don't think CSK saw him playing for as many seasons as he eventually did. So, they had to look at who was going to be the next Captain.
“Ruturaj was the next guy, and I thought, coming into his first season, he did a great job. It's just unfortunate that he got injured last season, where they missed him as a batter and as a Captain. In terms of tactics, MS is one of the most brilliant minds," he explained.
“So, I'll always have him on the field because you need his cricketing brain. The way he sees and reads the game, and the way you see him manoeuvre the field, that's his real strength. Yes, we've loved watching him bat. But for me, it's more about what he brings on the field, and that's something CSK has to use,” Du Plessis noted.
Du Plessis also praised Dhoni as the best wicketkeeper in the game and believes that, despite Sanju's entry, Dhoni should be the wicketkeeper of the team.
“MS Dhoni being behind the stumps doesn't always mean something happens, but what it does is create a little bit of doubt in the mind of a young batter walking in. When I walk out to bat, I might think, ‘What's this field? Why on earth are two men there?’ Even if he is not weak in that area,” he said.
“So, he plants a seed of doubt, even if it's just through a change in angle. For a split second, as a batter, you are thinking about something else. The good ones will go back to their strengths and game plan, while others will keep thinking about what he's doing with the field and possibly get out. And don’t forget, he is still the quickest wicketkeeper in the game,” he added.
Meanwhile, CSK will begin their campaign against Rajasthan Royals on March 30 at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati.
