MS Dhoni To Retire After IPL 2026? Robin Uthappa Replies

Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa has said that IPL 2026 will be MS Dhoni’s last as a player, stating that the former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain is likely to take up a mentor-cum-player role in the upcoming season as well.

With exactly two weeks remaining before IPL 2026 begins, speculation about Dhoni’s retirement has again circulated, especially with Sanju Samson’s presence in the CSK squad. Notably, Samson, the former Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain, was traded in by the CSK.

Speaking on Star Sports, Uthappa said, “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 a lesser role. I don’t see him batting at seven. I see him batting at eight, knowing that he is on his way out. I feel he will do this. Then we will see the true potential of Gaikwad.”

‘You have got to give Rutu time to settle in’ – Robin Uthappa

Robin Uthappa also backed Ruturaj Gaikwad to lead the team despite Samson’s arrival from RR.

“Not right now. You have got to give Rutu time to settle in. He is still leading. No matter what you say, you’re coming out of the shadows of MS Dhoni. You want to come out of it completely, have your own light, and see what you can produce. You want to lead the team when MS is not playing and then stand in your own light. If the franchise feels Gaikwad is making many mistakes, then it is a different thing. But just because Sanju has come, I don’t think that [a captaincy change] should be done,” he further added.

During IPL 2025, MS Dhoni was seen mostly in brief cameo roles during the death overs, making 196 runs from 13 innings as well. However, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has said that the veteran will be available for the full season as well.