MS Dhoni's Potential Last IPL Season: Insights from Robin Uthappa

As MS Dhoni prepares for another season with the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, former cricketer Robin Uthappa suggests this could be Dhoni's last. Uthappa envisions Dhoni transitioning into a mentor role while advocating for Ruturaj Gaikwad as the team's long-term captain. With Dhoni's impressive IPL legacy and Gaikwad's journey as captain, the upcoming season promises to be pivotal for both players. Discover more about their roles and expectations in this intriguing narrative.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 21, 2026, 18:03 IST

Is This MS Dhoni's Final IPL Season?

Mahendra Singh Dhoni is gearing up to play once more for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has expressed his belief that this could be Dhoni's last season in the IPL. Speaking on JioHotstar, Uthappa remarked, "IPL 2026 might mark Dhoni's final year in the yellow jersey. I envision him taking on more of a mentor role this season, possibly batting at number eight instead of seven. Acknowledging his impending retirement, he may gradually step back from active play."

Dhoni's IPL Legacy

At 44 years old, Dhoni remains one of the four active players who have participated in every IPL season, alongside Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Manish Pandey. Over his IPL career, he has accumulated 5,439 runs across 278 matches, boasting an average of 38 and a strike rate of 137, placing him sixth among the all-time run-scorers in IPL history.

Uthappa Advocates for Gaikwad's Captaincy

Uthappa also emphasized that CSK should consider Ruturaj Gaikwad as a long-term captain rather than handing the reins to newly signed Sanju Samson. He stated, "CSK should allow Ruturaj Gaikwad time to establish himself as captain. He has been leading since 2024, and it’s crucial for him to emerge from Dhoni's shadow and showcase his capabilities. He needs to lead the team independently, especially when Dhoni is not on the field."

Gaikwad's Journey as Captain

Gaikwad, who took over as CSK captain in 2024, led the team to a fifth-place finish that year. However, an injury during the last season forced him to leave mid-tournament, leading Dhoni to step in as captain. Unfortunately, CSK ended up at the bottom of the points table. Uthappa remains optimistic about Gaikwad's future, suggesting, "Give him a few years to develop. If it doesn’t pan out, Sanju Samson is available to take on the captaincy duties."