Robin Uthappa has predicted IPL 2026 to be MS Dhoni’s final as a participant.© BCCI
Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa has predicted IPL 2026 to be MS Dhoni‘s final as a participant, saying that the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) icon is prone to take up a mentor-cum-player position within the upcoming season. With precisely two weeks remaining earlier than the beginning of IPL 2026, hypothesis surrounding Dhoni’s retirement has once more gathered tempo, particularly with the addition of Sanju Samson to the CSK squad. Samson, the previous Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain, was traded in by the five-time champions.
Speaking on Star Sports, Uthappa mentioned he feels Dhoni will bat within the decrease order, similar to final season.
“I think this is going to be his last year. I see him playing more of a mentor-cum-player role this year; I see him playing a lesser role. I don’t see him batting at seven. I see him batting at eight, knowing that he is on his way out. I feel he will do this. Then we will see the true potential of Gaikwad,” mentioned Uthappa.
Uthappa additionally backed Ruturaj Gaikwad to steer the aspect regardless of Samson’s arrival from RR.
“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. 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 [a captaincy change] should be done,” he added.
During IPL 2025, Dhoni was seen largely in short cameo roles in the course of the dying overs, making 196 runs from 13 innings.
CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan, nevertheless, has mentioned the veteran will likely be out there for the total season and is anticipated to play “all matches” within the 2026 marketing campaign.
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