Former CSK star Robin Uthappa claimed that IPL 2026 might be the last time MS Dhoni is seen in that Yellow jersey. He might be seen in a mentor-cum-player role before calling it quits from the IPL.
Legends of the Tata IPL return as the new season kicks off on March 28th, with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad in the opening fixture of the upcoming IPL season.
Former CSK batter Robin Uthappa and Delhi all-rounder Irfan Pathan debated and gave their opinion on the greatest team in the Tata IPL history and the possibility of MS Dhoni playing in the upcoming IPL seasons.
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“IPL 2026 is likely to be his last year in the yellow jersey.” – Robin Uthappa
MS Dhoni has featured in the IPL since 2008, the inaugural season of the IPL. He has captained them for nearly two decades and has led them to five titles in IPL history. Also, they are one of the most successful franchises, as they have played in 12 playoffs.
However, ever since his international retirement in 2020, there has been immense speculation on MS Dhoni’s retirement from the IPL. Former CSK wicket-keeper Robin Uthappa claimed that Dhoni might be playing his final season in the IPL.
“I think you can see Dhoni being a little more hands-off. IPL 2026 is likely to be his last year in the yellow jersey. I see him playing more of a mentor-cum-player role this year,” said the former CSK batter.
Robin Uthappa reveals MS Dhoni’s batting position in CSK ahead of IPL 2026
MS Dhoni has been batting quite lower down the order over the last few IPL seasons. Though he still kept scoring runs and helped CSK chase big totals, his performance with the bat could not create a special impact on many occasions in the last season.
MS Dhoni is nearing 6000 IPL runs and is currently the highest run-getter in the league, surpassing former CSK legend Suresh Raina. Uthappa felt that Dhoni is most likely to play in a new role and bat down the order at no. 8.
“I don’t see him batting at number seven. I see him batting at number eight. Knowing that he is on his way out, he wants to wean himself out. I think he will do that,” Robin Uthappa further continued.
You have to give Ruturaj Gaikwad time to settle as captain- claimed the former CSK star
The former Chennai star reasoned that the Super Kings should back Ruturaj Gaikwad as the skipper of the IPL franchise. He also highlighted that he has come out of Dhoni’s shadow and would bring out an overwhelming energy.
“I don’t think CSK should hand over the leadership duties to Sanju Samson. You have to give Ruturaj Gaikwad time to settle as captain. He has been leading the team since 2024. No matter what people say, he is coming out of the shadow of MS Dhoni.
“You want him to come out completely and stand in his own light. You want to see what he can produce. You want him to lead the team when MS is not playing and stand on his own, without that overwhelming feeling of always being under that energy,” he claimed.
On the other hand, the former batter also claimed that for the Chennai Super Kings, the real challenge would be to witness Gaikwad’s potential as the captain of the team. If he is not able to handle it, Samson would always be there to take over as the new captain.
“Only then will we see the true potential of Ruturaj Gaikwad as captain. Give him a few years. If it doesn’t work, you always have Sanju Samson in the team to handle the captaincy duties,” he added.
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