Former CSK star Robin Uthappa claimed that MS Dhoni will be seen in that yellow jersey for the last time in IPL 2026. Before retiring from IPL, he can be seen in the role of mentor-cum-player.
The Tata IPL stalwarts are returning as the new season begins on March 28, with Royal Challengers Bangalore taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad in the opening match of the upcoming IPL season.
Former CSK batsman Robin Uthappa and Delhi all-rounder Irfan Pathan debate and give their opinions on the greatest team in Tata IPL history and the possibility of MS Dhoni playing in the upcoming IPL season.
“IPL 2026 is likely to be his last year in the yellow jersey.” – Robin Uthappa
MS Dhoni has participated in the IPL since 2008, which was the inaugural season of the IPL. He has captained them for almost two decades and led them to five titles in IPL history. Also, they are one of the most successful franchises, as they have played in 12 playoffs.
However, since his international retirement in 2020, there has been heavy speculation over MS Dhoni retiring from the IPL. Former CSK wicketkeeper Robin Uthappa claimed that Dhoni may play his last season in the IPL.
“I think you can see Dhoni getting a little more hands-on. IPL 2026 is likely to be his last year in the yellow jersey. I see him playing more of a mentor-cum-player role this year,” the former CSK batsman said.
Robin Uthappa reveals MS Dhoni’s batting position in CSK ahead of IPL 2026
MS Dhoni has been batting much lower down the order in the last few IPL seasons. Although he still continued to score runs and help CSK chase big targets, his performances with the bat did not make much of an impact on several occasions last season.
MS Dhoni is closing in on 6000 IPL runs and is currently the leading run-scorer in the league, surpassing former CSK legend Suresh Raina. Uthappa believes that there is every possibility of Dhoni playing a new role and batting lower in the order. 8.
Robin Uthappa further said, “I don’t see him batting at number seven. I see him batting at number eight. Knowing that he is going to go out, he wants to get himself out. I think he will do that.”
You have to give time to Ruturaj Gaikwad to establish himself as captain- claimed former CSK star
The former Chennai star argued that the Super Kings should back Ruturaj Gaikwad as the captain of the IPL franchise. He also highlighted that he has come out of Dhoni’s shadow and will bring tremendous energy.
“I don’t think CSK should hand over the leadership responsibility to Sanju Samson. You have to give time to Ruturaj Gaikwad to establish himself as the captain. He has been leading the team since 2024. No matter what people say, he is coming out of MS Dhoni’s shadow.
He claimed, “You want him to fully come out and stand in his own light. You want to see what he can do. You want him to lead the team and stand on his own when MS is not playing, without the overwhelming feeling of always being under that energy.”
On the other hand, the former batsman also claimed that the real challenge for Chennai Super Kings will be to see Gaikwad’s ability as the captain of the team. If he is not able to handle it, Samson will always be there to take over as the new captain.
“Only then will we be able to see the real potential of Ruturaj Gaikwad as a captain. Give him a few years. If it doesn’t work, you will always have Sanju Samson in the team to take over the captaincy,” he said.
Also read: Former PBKS all-rounder blames Punjab Kings owners for not winning IPL title
