The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have already confirmed that MS Dhoni will play the entire IPL 2026 season, but speculations around his future refuse to die down. MS Dhoni is all set to once again be ready to wear the yellow jersey, but a surprising claim has created massive excitement among fans.
The upcoming IPL 2026 season is all set to kick start on March 28, and many believe that the legendary wicketkeeper-batter could be preparing for a very different role inside the CSK camp. Dhoni might take on the role of mentor instead of being the main finisher like previous seasons.
I see him playing more of a mentor-cum-player role – Robin Uthappa hints IPL 2026 could be MS Dhoni’s final season
Former India and CSK batter Robin Uthappa has hinted that IPL 2026 could possibly be the final season for MS Dhoni as a player. He feels the legendary captain may reduce his on-field role and focus more on helping the team from the sidelines while still being part of the playing XI.
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There are also talks that Dhoni could bat much lower in the order this time, possibly around number eight, allowing younger players to take more responsibility in the middle order. The idea is believed to be part of a long-term plan where CSK slowly prepares for life after their most iconic player.
Robin Uthappa said on Star Sports: “I think this is going to be his (MS Dhoni) last year. I see him playing more of a mentor-cum-player role this year; I see him playing less of a role. I don’t see him batting at seven. I see him batting at eight, knowing that he is on his way out. I will feel he will do this. Then we will see the true potential of Gaikwad.”
Sanju Samson joins CSK but Uthappa urges franchise to stick with Ruturaj Gaikwad
Meanwhile, another big talking point in the Chennai Super Kings camp is the arrival of Sanju Samson, who joined the team after moving from the Rajasthan Royals. Since Samson has experience as an IPL captain, some fans have started discussing whether he could take over captaincy.
However, Uthappa has insisted that the current skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad should continue leading the five-time champions. He feels Gaikwad deserves time to grow as captain and prove himself without constantly being compared with Dhoni, who won five IPL trophies for CSK.
The former batter added, “Not right now. You have got to give Rutu time to settle in. He is still leading. No matter what you say, you’re coming out of the shadows of MS Dhoni. You want to come out of it completely, have your own light, and see what you can produce. You want to lead the team when MS is not playing and then stand in your own light.”
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Irfan Pathan warns CSK against captaincy change
Even former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has backed Uthappa’s views, suggesting that a captain should not be replaced just because another experienced player has joined the side.
Pathan said during the same discussion, “If the franchise feels Gaikwad is making many mistakes, then it is a different thing. But just because Sanju has come, I don’t think that should be done.”
