MS Dhoni’s Career Nears End? Robin Uthappa Makes Big IPL 2026 Prediction

Robin Uthappa predicts IPL 2026 could be MS Dhoni’s final season with Chennai Super Kings.

Former India batter Robin Uthappa believes IPL 2026 could be MS Dhoni’s final season in the Indian Premier League. The former Chennai Super Kings player expects Dhoni to step away from the league after this campaign.

Dhoni is preparing for his 17th season with Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026. The legendary former India captain turns 45 in 2026. Uthappa expects Dhoni to take a reduced role this season. The veteran wicketkeeper-batter could bat lower in the order.

“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,” Uthappa was quoted as saying on Star Sports. 

Robin Uthappa also backed Ruturaj Gaikwad to continue as captain of Chennai Super Kings despite the arrival of Sanju Samson. He believes the franchise should allow Gaikwad more time to settle into the leadership role.

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“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,” the former cricketer added.

Chennai Super Kings enter 2026 after finishing last in 2025. The team begins its new season against the Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati.