Samson Could Be Dhoni’s Successor, Says Irfan Pathan

March 27, 2026

New Delhi, March 27: Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has praised Rishabh Samson, calling him one of the players MS Dhoni would likely want to pass the captaincy baton to in the future. Speaking ahead of IPL 2026, Pathan highlighted Samson’s leadership potential and calmness under pressure, qualities reminiscent of Dhoni’s style.

Leadership and knowledge of cricket

Samson has the temperament, strategic thinking, and high-pressure match experience that are essential for successfully leading an IPL team, according to Pathan. He pointed to Samson as an exceptional candidate and mentioned that Dhoni values players who can take accountability and remain composed under pressure.

IPL 2026 highlights

With IPL 2026 around the corner, Samson is expected to play a key role for his franchise and could be groomed for future leadership roles. Fans and analysts are closely watching his performances as he continues to showcase his skill, consistency, and potential as a future leader in Indian cricket.