MS Dhoni could bring the curtain down on his legendary Indian Premier League (IPL) career after the 2026 season, with former India and Chennai Super Kings batsman Robin Uthappa hinting that the upcoming campaign could be his last in the yellow jersey. A constant presence since the inception of the league, the legendary wicketkeeper is gearing up for his 19th IPL season.
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Dhoni’s legacy in the tournament remains elusive. With 278 matches and 5439 runs to his credit, he was central to CSK’s success and led them to five IPL titles before stepping down as captain ahead of the 2024 season. Although he briefly returned to leadership duties after Ruturaj Gaikwad’s injury last year, the franchise is now firmly moving into a new era under Gaikwad.
In an interview with JioHotstar, Uthappa offered a strong insight into how Dhoni’s role could evolve in what he believes will be a farewell season.
“I think you can see Dhoni being a bit more hands-off. IPL 2026 will probably be his last year in the yellow jersey. I see him playing more of a role as a mentor and a player this year. I don’t see him batting at number seven. I see him batting at number eight. Knowing he’s on his way out, he wants to learn that we’ll see the real potential then. I think only him Gawad will be batting. as captain.” he said.
Uthappa’s comments come at a time when there is intense speculation about Dhoni’s future. The debate gained momentum after CSK brought in Sanju Samson, a move many interpreted as a move to plan for succession and reduce Dhoni’s workload on the field.
However, Dhoni’s preparations suggest that he is far from done. The 44-year-old arrived in Chennai earlier this month and has been training intensively with the team. He also started light training in Ranchi weeks before joining the team, indicating a clear intention to be fully prepared for the demands of the season.
WILL DHONI PLAY FULL IPL 2026?
While questions remain about how extensively Dhoni will feature, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan made the franchise’s stance clear. He confirmed that Dhoni will be available throughout the season, although his exact role will be determined by the team management.
This opens up the possibility of a more flexible role, with Dhoni potentially managing his workload while continuing to lead the team on and off the field. His experience could prove crucial, especially after CSK endured a difficult IPL 2025 season where they finished at the bottom of the table for the first time.
With CSK looking to bounce back, IPL 2026 could mark both a fresh start under Gaikwad and a fitting final chapter for one of the league’s biggest icons.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
21 March 2026 17:06 IST
