‘Difficult for MS Dhoni in IPL 2026’: CSK star called out for being ‘on the wrong side of 40’; Kohli backed to perform

MS Dhoni is already 44 years old and is also expected to don the gloves as a wicketkeeper for Chennai.

Updated on: Mar 27, 2026, 15:39:19 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Virat Kohli and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will get their IPL 2026 campaign underway in the season opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad, on Saturday. Former cricketer Aakash Chopra backed the veteran to perform as an opener for RCB, praising his fitness and also felt that it would be similar for Rohit Sharma. But when it came to MS Dhoni, he felt that it could be a 'little difficult' for the CSK star due to his age.

A former India player has predicted that MS Dhoni could find it tough in IPL 2026. (PTI)

Dhoni is already 44 years old and is also expected to don the gloves as a wicketkeeper for Chennai. But the arrival of Sanju Samson could also see Dhoni perform as an Impact Player, coming in to only bat.

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"It is a little difficult for Dhoni as well because he is on the wrong side of 40. For him, not to play anything for 10 months, turn up for the IPL and switch on, and also play at a number where he gets only 10-12 balls, is the toughest thing to do. Then there are also 20 overs of keeping, so his job is perhaps the toughest," he said, speaking on JioStar.

Kohli is the all-time top run-scorer in IPL history with 8661 runs in 267 matches. Throughout his IPL career, he has played only for RCB, making his debut in the inaugural season. He also has the record for most runs in a single season (973 in 2016), and has the most tons (8) in the tournament's history.

"The focus will be on Virat Kohli again because the guy is so fit. The kind of fitness that he has achieved over a period of time makes him the best suited, also because he is an opener. The same is true for Rohit Sharma as well, but between the two of them, I still feel Virat Kohli has it a little easier just because of himself. That is the price he has to pay for the kind of fitness and legacy he has built," he said.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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