Irfan Pathan CSK Team for IPL 2026: The 19th season of IPL is about to start. In such a situation, the big question is that for each team, what should be its best team, its best combination, which should be fielded? The answer to this question has been found in the case of Chennai Super Kings, which is surprising. Not the playing eleven of CSK but the best 12 was selected. But MS Dhoni’s name is missing in it. Former Indian fast bowler Irfan Pathan has selected the best 12 teams of CSK.
Samson-Mhatre made openers, here are the top 5
Irfan Pathan has confirmed CSK’s best 12 team for IPL 2026 on his YouTube channel. In the program held on March 20, Irfan Pathan has given place to Sanju Samson and Ayush Mhatre in the team as openers of CSK. He has given place to captain Ruturaj Gaikwad at number 3. Whereas Shivam Dubey and Dewald Brevis have been placed at fourth and fifth positions.
Why Sarfaraz Khan instead of Dhoni at number 6?
Regarding the sixth position, Irfan Pathan said that Sarfaraz Khan is now fit at this place. While replacing Dhoni with Sarfaraz at this position, he said that for the last two seasons, Dhoni has been coming to the field to bat only in the final 2 overs. This is good to thrill the fans but is not good for the franchise. He said that Dhoni should play at least 4 overs.
Irfan Pathan further said that if Dhoni is playing and he will play continuously then it is good. This will be in the interest of the franchise. But, if this does not happen then there are many questions. He said that for every great player there comes a time when he has to leave the game. According to Irfan Pathan, Dhoni should now focus on building the CSK team. This will give more opportunities to batsmen. However, he also made it clear that if Dhoni plays then Sarfaraz will have to wait for his IPL debut from CSK.
Irfan Pathan also selected him in the best 12
Irfan Pathan has placed Karthik Sharma at number 7 and Prashant Veer at number 8 in the best 12 team of CSK. In the bowling department, he has included Akil Hussain and Noor Ahmed in the team as two specialist spinners. He has also kept New Zealand pacer Matt Henry in the team. Whereas Khalil Ahmed has been given place in the role of impact player.