Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa has said that IPL 2026 might be MS Dhoni’s last as a player, stating that the previous Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain is prone to take up a mentor-cum-player role within the upcoming season as well.
With exactly two weeks remaining before IPL 2026 begins, speculation about Dhoni’s retirement has again circulated, especially with Sanju Samson’s presence within the CSK squad. Notably, Samson, the previous Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain, was traded in by the CSK.
Speaking on Star Sports, Uthappa said, “I feel that is going to be his last 12 months. I see him playing more of a mentor-cum-player role this 12 months; I see him playing a lesser role. I don’t see him batting at seven. I see him batting at eight, knowing that he’s on his way out. I feel he’ll do that. Then we’ll see the true potential of Gaikwad.”
‘You may have got to offer Rutu time to settle in’ – Robin Uthappa
Robin Uthappa also backed Ruturaj Gaikwad to guide the team despite Samson’s arrival from RR.
“Not right away. You may have got to offer Rutu time to settle in. He continues to be leading. Irrespective of what you say, you’re coming out of the shadows of MS Dhoni. You would like to come out of it completely, have your personal light, and see what you may produce. You would like to lead the team when MS just isn’t playing after which stand in your personal light. If the franchise feels Gaikwad is making many mistakes, then it’s a special thing. But simply because Sanju has come, I don’t think that [a captaincy change] ought to be done,” he further added.
During IPL 2025, MS Dhoni was seen mostly in short cameo roles throughout the death overs, making 196 runs from 13 innings as well. Nonetheless, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has said that the veteran might be available for the complete season as well.
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