'CSK need MS Dhoni more than ever' - Aditya Tare wants legend to get fit sooner as fix to Chennai's woes

Former Mumbai Indians cricketer Aditya Tare is eager to see the return of legendary stumper-batter MS Dhoni to field for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Tare, who played his last IPL match in 2017, believes that CSK are in dire need of getting the experience of Dhoni for success in the ongoing nineteenth edition of the tournament.

The cricketer-turned-commentator has further opined that Dhoni should also be keeping the wickets and play a full-time role for CSK rather than being limited to an impact player and batting at the death. The former cricketer also believes that the presence of Dhoni in the playing XI can also help boost the morale of other youngsters in there.

“Chennai Super Kings need MS Dhoni more than ever. If he is fit to play, he has to play against Sunrisers Hyderabad in any capacity. I would personally want him to keep wickets for the full 20 overs because he is excellent behind the stumps. No disrespect to Sanju’s wicket-keeping, but you need that experience," Tare opined via JioStar.

"There is a lot of youth in CSK’s line-up, and their two debutants – Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer – need that guidance of someone as experienced as Mahi bhai. The team has shown a lot of faith in those two players, but if you have MSD, you have to make him play. His presence will help Kartik and Prashant handle the pressure better," the former MI player added.

Lastly, Tare has also expressed that the true captaincy skills of Ruturaj Gaikwad will come to the fore only once he has the backing of being alongside Dhoni, whose guidance has been the reason why CSK have five IPL trophies.

Mahi bhai has always been a great support to Ruturaj and to the bowlers. We have seen him constantly talking to the bowlers and guiding them, and that is something which will give an extra edge to Chennai against SRH,” Tare expressed further.