Former India and Chennai Super Kings batsman Robin Uthappa has predicted that the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) will ms dhoniHe will hang up his boots for good before the final season.
Dhoni is set to feature in his 17th season for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in this year's showpiece tournament. The former India captain will turn 45 this year and is nearing the end of his time in the IPL.
Uthappa believes that in IPL 2026, Dhoni will step back a bit and act as a mentor to the youngsters coming within the CSK camp and coming down the order will provide them more opportunities to showcase their talent.
“I think this is going to be his last year. I see him playing more of a mentor-cum-player role this year; I see him playing less of a role. I don't see him batting at number seven. I see him batting at number eight, knowing he is going to go out. I think he will. Then we will see Gaikwad's true potential,” Uthappa said on Star Sports.
To prepare their team for the future after Dhoni's retirement, CSK have already included Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals in exchange for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran.
Despite Samson's remarkable signature, Uthappa Do not believe that the armband should be taken away from Ruturaj Gaikwad. The current captain needs support from the management and should be allowed to assert his authority in the team in Dhoni's absence.
“Not right now. You have to give time to Rutu to establish himself. He is still leading. No matter what you say, you are coming out of MS Dhoni's shadow. You want to come out of it completely, have your own light and see what you can do. You want to lead the team when MS is not playing and then stand in your own light. If the franchise feels that Gaikwad is making too many mistakes, So it's a different thing, but just because Sanju has come, I don't think so. [a captaincy change] Must be done,” Uthappa said.
CSK will be coming into IPL 2026 after a disappointing season last time, where they finished at the bottom of the standings. The Yellows will begin their 2026 campaign against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati.
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