MS Dhoni is expected to play his final IPL season in 2026, with Chennai Super Kings already preparing for life beyond him. The 44-year-old may take on a mentor-cum-player role before fully moving off the field.
Former CSK batter Robin Uthappa believes there is no longer any doubt about Dhoni’s future. He feels IPL 2026 will finally bring an end to Dhoni’s playing career, though not his association with the franchise.
Uthappa said, “I think the writing is on the wall. This is clearly going to be MS Dhoni’s last season. No more conjecture, no more speculation. This year, he will be well and truly done.”
Dhoni continues to contribute as a finisher, wicketkeeper and leader, but his role has slowly changed. Over the last two seasons, he has looked more involved in guiding players and shaping decisions rather than being a full-time on-field presence.
CSK’s squad building over the past year reflects that shift clearly. The franchise has leaned heavily towards youth, signalling a long-term rebuild that goes beyond Dhoni’s playing days.
Young players like Dewald Brevis, Ayush Mhatre and Urvil Patel impressed in the latter stages of last season. Their performances strengthened CSK’s belief in backing young talent early in the cycle.
That approach continued at the IPL 2026 mini-auction. CSK spent Rs 28.4 crore on two uncapped Indians, Prashant Veer, 19, and Kartik Sharma, 20. Both became record signings among uncapped players.
In total, CSK invested Rs 41 crore on nine players at the auction. The focus was clear, develop talent, retain it and build a core for the next phase.
The franchise also made bold moves by trading Ravindra Jadeja to Rajasthan Royals. They brought in Sarfaraz Khan and Rahul Chahar, reshaping the squad around a new cycle under Ruturaj Gaikwad’s captaincy.
Uthappa feels Dhoni’s influence will remain central even after he stops playing.
“We all know that if he is not playing, he will be mentoring the side. This year he will operate as a mentor-cum-player,” he said.
He added that CSK’s youth investments make sense.
“If you can develop another Jadeja with the kind of mentorship MS Dhoni provides, along with Ruturaj’s captaincy, why not?”
Dhoni has faced retirement talk for years, especially after leaving international cricket. IPL 2026 may finally close his on-field chapter, but his presence at CSK looks set to continue from the dugout.