IPL 2026: Will This Be MS Dhoni's Final Season with CSK?

Chennai Super Kings Prepare for IPL 2026

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are set to be a key team to follow in the upcoming IPL 2026, which kicks off on March 28 (Saturday). A pressing question among fans is whether this season will mark the end of the illustrious career of MS Dhoni. Former Indian fast bowler Irfan Pathan believes that this could indeed be Dhoni's farewell season. Interestingly, he has identified a player who he thinks will carry on Dhoni's legacy at CSK, and it is not the current captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad.

During a discussion on JioStar, Pathan suggested that all indications point to IPL 2026 being Dhoni's swan song. He mentioned that with Dhoni's potential departure, CSK is likely to build their future around Sanju Samson, who he believes will become the face of the franchise. "It appears that this will be MS Dhoni’s last season. The signs are evident, especially since CSK has acquired a wicketkeeper-batsman who can lead the team for years to come. Sanju Samson is that player," Pathan stated.

Pathan further emphasized Samson's recent form, noting his success in international cricket and his recent World Cup victory. He believes that Dhoni would want to pass the leadership to someone of Samson's caliber, someone who resonates with the fans. With Samson joining the team, Pathan feels that Dhoni might consider it the right moment to hand over the reins. However, he questioned whether this transition should have occurred sooner, as he feels a player of Dhoni's stature should not be limited to a minor role.

Sanju Samson was traded to CSK ahead of IPL 2026, with Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran moving to the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in exchange.

Is This the End for MS Dhoni?

Will It Be MS Dhoni's Last Season?

With the addition of Sanju Samson and young talent Kartik Sharma, CSK now boasts two skilled Indian wicketkeeper-batters alongside MS Dhoni. There have been speculations that Dhoni may not participate in every match this season and could be utilized as an Impact Player. However, CSK's CEO, Kasi Viswanathan, has assured fans that Dhoni will play in all matches this season. The decision on whether he will serve as a batter, wicketkeeper-batter, or Impact Player will ultimately rest with the team's management.

"He will play all matches," Viswanathan confirmed to reporters in Chennai. "I can't comment on his role; that will be a decision made by the cricketing staff, not the administrative team. They will determine whether he plays as a batter, wicketkeeper-batter, or as an Impact Player," he added.