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Robin Uthappa predicts IPL 2026 as MS Dhoni last CSK season, backing Ruturaj Gaikwad as captain while Sanju Samson arrival adds depth before opener vs Rajasthan Royals.
MS Dhoni (Picture Credit: PTI)
With the Indian Premier League 2026 around the corner, much of the spotlight will be on the Chennai Super Kings, as fans remain eager to know what lies ahead for MS Dhoni. Retirement speculations have intensified, especially after Sanju Samson arrived in one of the most surprising trade deals in the tournament’s history. It’s yet to be seen if the CSK legend will hang up his IPL boots in the next couple of months or will simply dodge the topic, saying ‘definitely not’.
Dhoni’s former CSK mate, Robin Uthappa, however, feels that the former captain might draw curtains on his IPL career in 2026. Speaking on JioHotstar’s IPL show, ‘Out or Out of the Park’, the former wicketkeeper-batter said Dhoni will be playing more of a mentor’s role in the upcoming season.
“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,” Uthappa said.
“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. 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.
Uthappa opined that Sanju’s arrival won’t shake things up much in the CSK, especially the leadership. He said the management would like to give Ruturaj Gaikwad more time to prove his mettle as a leader.
“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,” Uthappa said.
“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. So, I think you can see Dhoni being a little more hands-off,” he added.
The 5-time champions will begin their campaign against the Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati on March 30.
March 21, 2026, 19:06 IST
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