'Dhoni's support, Sanju Samson's help will...': Irfan Pathan predicts bumper IPL 2026 for CSK

Chennai Super Kings will enter the upcoming Indian Premier League 2026 season with hopes of securing a record sixth IPL title. The five-time champions have strengthened their squad with the arrival of Sanju Samson, and former India all rounder Irfan Pathan believes that support of Dhoni and Samson's help could play a crucial role in CSK’s campaign.

Irfan Pathan: Samson’s presence will ease pressure on Ruturaj Gaikwad

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan shared views, explaining how Samson’s arrival could benefit CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad.




“Sanju Samson's arrival at CSK will allow Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad to express himself a bit more. We have seen him grow as a leader. It is not easy leading in the IPL while also taking forward the legacy of MS Dhoni. That is one of the toughest things to do in your career. But Dhoni's support, along with the help Sanju Samson brings, will always benefit Ruturaj,” Pathan said.

Pathan also pointed out that CSK appear to be shifting from their traditional strategy of relying heavily on experienced players.

“Looking at the squad and imagining the playing combination are two different things. CSK's success mantra in the past was to bank on experienced players. Now, they have made a change in approach and are going for younger, less experienced players. They are building for the future too,” he added.

He also expressed excitement about young talents in the squad, including Dewald Brevis, Urvil Patel, Shivam Dube and Sarfaraz Khan.

Piyush Chawla backs Samson’s aggressive batting

Chawla also described Samson as a natural match-winner who has silenced his critics with impressive performances in recent matches. “Sanju Samson is a match-winner in himself. He proved his doubters wrong with three back-to-back impactful knocks against West Indies, England and New Zealand in the T20 World Cup. CSK will be very happy with his form because Samson has peaked right before the start of the IPL. That is great news for their fans,” Chawla said.

He further added that the Chennai pitch conditions could help Samson flourish at the top of the order.

“Coming to Chennai, the way the wicket plays there will definitely suit his game. Opening the innings, his aggressive style will benefit CSK a lot.”

Samson could solve CSK’s opening problems

The former spinner also highlighted how CSK struggled to get quick starts in the previous IPL season.

“Last season, they struggled to get quick starts. Only after Ayush Mhatre arrived did CSK start scoring runs in the Powerplay. Now, with Samson in, their opening problems will finally be solved. They need that experienced opener alongside Ayush Mhatre. Samson's trade move to CSK is going to be a blockbuster one,” Chawla said.

CSK aim for record sixth IPL title

After finishing at the bottom of the table last season, CSK will be eager to bounce back strongly in IPL 2026. With a refreshed squad and Samson’s attacking presence at the top of the order, the Chennai-based franchise will hope to rediscover their winning formula and mount a strong challenge for the title.


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