Will IPL 2026 Mark the End of MS Dhoni's Journey with CSK? Insights from Robin Uthappa
Uthappa's Predictions for Dhoni and CSK
New Delhi: Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has expressed his belief that IPL 2026 could be the final season for MS Dhoni with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). He emphasized that the franchise should continue to support Ruturaj Gaikwad as captain rather than opting for Sanju Samson.
At the age of 44, Dhoni is set to participate in his 19th IPL season. Uthappa stated, “CSK should not transfer the captaincy to Sanju Samson. It’s crucial to allow Ruturaj Gaikwad time to establish himself in this role. He has been leading since 2024 and is gradually stepping out of Dhoni's shadow.”
He added, “It’s important for Gaikwad to fully emerge as a leader and showcase his capabilities. He should be allowed to lead the team independently, especially when Dhoni is not on the field.”
Uthappa anticipates that IPL 2026 will likely be Dhoni's last in the yellow jersey, predicting that he will take on more of a mentor role this season. He remarked, “I envision him batting lower in the order, possibly at number eight, as he prepares to transition out of the game.”
He believes that this approach will allow Gaikwad to realize his potential as a captain. “Give him a few years to develop. If it doesn’t work out, Sanju Samson is available to take over the captaincy,” Uthappa mentioned during a discussion on JioStar.
Additionally, Uthappa expressed skepticism about the Sunrisers Hyderabad's chances in the tournament, citing their aggressive batting style as insufficient without solid bowling support. The team is currently facing injury challenges with regular captain Pat Cummins and Eshan Malinga likely to miss the start of the season.
Under the leadership of Ishan Kishan, SRH will kick off their IPL 2026 journey against the reigning champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 28. Uthappa noted, “While SRH's aggressive batting is entertaining, it may not be enough to secure victories in the IPL. Their bowling lineup appears to be lacking.”
He further explained, “In Hyderabad, where they play seven matches, the pitch favors batting. Even skilled bowlers like Mohammed Shami struggle on such flat wickets. A bowler like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who can swing the ball and vary his pace, is essential.”
Uthappa concluded, “Currently, SRH lacks a bowling unit capable of compensating for the volatility that their aggressive batting can create if the top order fails. Last season, aside from Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, and Heinrich Klaasen, no other batsman stepped up. When the top order faltered, the bowlers couldn’t defend the totals. Therefore, I don’t see SRH as serious title contenders this season.”