Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have already confirmed that MS Dhoni will play the entire IPL 2026 season, but the speculation over his future refuses to end. MS Dhoni is all set to wear the yellow jersey once again, but a surprising claim has created huge excitement among the fans.
The upcoming IPL 2026 season is set to begin on March 28, and many believe that the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman could be preparing for a very different role inside the CSK camp. Dhoni can play the role of a mentor instead of the main finisher like last season.
I see him playing the role of a mentor-cum-player – Robin Uthappa hints that IPL 2026 could be MS Dhoni’s final season
Former India and CSK batsman Robin Uthappa has hinted that IPL 2026 could possibly be the last season for MS Dhoni as a player. He believes that great captains can reduce their role on the field and focus more on helping the team from the sidelines while still being a part of the playing eleven.
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There are also talks that Dhoni may bat much lower down the order this time, possibly around number eight, which will give the younger players a chance to take more responsibility in the middle order. The idea is believed to be part of a long-term plan where CSK is slowly preparing for life after its most iconic player.
Robin Uthappa said on Star Sports, “I think this is going to be his (MS Dhoni’s) 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 number seven. I see him batting at number eight, knowing that he is going to go out. I would think he will. Then we will see Gaikwad’s true potential.”
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 has joined the team from Rajasthan Royals. Since Samson has experience as an IPL captain, some fans have started discussing whether he can handle the captaincy.
However, Uthappa has insisted that current captain Ruturaj Gaikwad should continue to lead the five-time champions. He believes that Gaikwad needs time to develop as a captain and prove himself without being constantly compared to Dhoni, who won five IPL trophies for CSK.
The former batsman said, “Not yet. You have to give time to Rutu to settle down. He is still leading. No matter what you say, you are coming out of MS Dhoni’s shadow. You want to come out of it completely, have your own light, and see what you can produce. When MS is not playing you want to lead the team 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 supported Uthappa’s views, suggesting that a captain should not be changed just because a more experienced player has joined the team.
During the same discussion, Pathan said, “If the franchise feels that Gaikwad is making many mistakes then it is a different matter. But just because Sanju has come, I do not think this should be done.”