MS Dhoni (Image credit: BCCI/IPL) NEW DELHI: Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League could be the “last time” fans will see MS Dhoni play for Chennai Super Kings.As the IPL 2026 season approaches, Dhoni’s retirement discussions have gained momentum once again.
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Speculation intensified after CSK traded Sanja Samson from Rajasthan Royals, a move that many believe could allow the veteran to further reduce his role on the field while continuing to mentor the team.“CSK is not complete without MS Dhoni. This season might be the last time we see him in the yellow jersey and it’s hard to imagine CSK and the IPL without him,” Irfan said on JioHotstar’s ‘Game Plan’.“Once the IPL comes, we will start seeing Mahendra Singh Dhoni again, which means he is fully ready for it and also looks very fit,” he added.The 44-year-old joined the CSK camp in Chennai earlier this month and trained with the team led by captain Ruturaj Gaikwad.Pathan said Dhoni’s role could increasingly focus on leading the team and helping develop the next generation of leaders within the party.“This season, Dhoni will play an important role in bringing everyone together. I am not sure how many matches he will play. But his presence in the dressing room will help a lot.”“Sanju will benefit because he will also be part of the leadership group. Ruturaj Gaikwad is the leader. But as a group, two or three guys are being groomed for the future. That’s where MS Dhoni comes in. I hope he makes a difference.”“Questions about his fitness, batting position and whether he will play all the matches will continue to arise. The CSK team management will take it one step at a time. They will surely try to give him the perfect send-off by lifting his sixth IPL trophy.”Dhoni featured in 278 IPL matches across two franchises – CSK and Rising Pune Supergiant during the 2016 and 2017 seasons when CSK was suspended – scoring 5,439 runs in the tournament.He was mostly seen in short cameo roles during the death overs last season, scoring 196 runs from 13 innings.However, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan said the veteran will be available for the entire season and is expected to play “all the matches” in the 2026 campaign.Pathan also feels that the time has come for younger players to gradually take on more responsibility within the franchise.“We have seen him take charge for a number of years but I think now is the time for him to pass the baton to the likes of Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube and Ruturaj Gaikwad who is also a young captain.“CSK’s ideology has changed. It will be key for the youngsters to learn from MS Dhoni’s experience and take the players alongside him. On paper, this is a very exciting team. In terms of the ability and intent of the six-strikes, I am really looking forward to seeing the fearlessness of this young CSK side.”The trade between CSK and Rajasthan Royals means that Ravindra Jadeja has returned to his former franchise, while Rajasthan have also parted ways with Jos Buttler.Former Indian cricketer and coach Sanjay Bangar believes Rajasthan’s younger players now need to step up after the departure of two experienced batsmen.“First they dropped Jose Buttler and now even Sanju Samson is not there. The young batsmen in the team will have to take the lead,” Bangar said.“It will be a good start for Riyan Parag who will play three matches at home. He will have home support in Guwahati as a local boy coming here as a full-time captain. He will definitely want to perform well in front of his home fans but it will not be easy for Rajasthan Royals.”Former India spinner Abhinav Mukund also raised concerns about Sunrisers Hyderabad’s first matches and the availability of their captain Pat Cummins.“SRH have some tough games early on and you don’t know if Pat Cummins is fully available or not. They haven’t made any statement yet so we’ll have to wait for that because he’s been a mainstay for them,” he said.SRH will begin their campaign against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru on March 28 before heading out to face Kolkata Knight Riders on April 2 before returning home to take on Lucknow Super Giants on April 5.
