Yograj Singh Slams Critics Over MS Dhoni Retirement Talks, Backs Him To Continue In IPL 2026

Yograj Singh fiercely defends MS Dhoni amid retirement talks, while Irfan Pathan hints at Sanju Samson as CSK’s future leader.

Speculation around MS Dhoni’s IPL future continues to dominate headlines ahead of the 2026 season, with many questioning whether this could be his final appearance. However, former India cricketer Yograj Singh has come out strongly in support of the Chennai Super Kings legend, dismissing calls for his retirement.

“He (Dhoni) is still playing and should keep on doing so for the next 10 years. Because he has proved his fitness with the right discipline and dedication. I still see his forearm, amazing man. Who the hell are people to tell him to retire? No. As far as cricket is concerned, hats off to him,” Yograj Singh told Insidesport.

Irfan Pathan Sees Sanju Samson As Future CSK Leader

While backing Dhoni’s continuation, Irfan Pathan offered a contrasting perspective, suggesting that Sanju Samson could be the ideal successor at Chennai Super Kings. With Samson joining the franchise after a successful international run, Pathan believes he has the potential to become the face of the team going forward.

“It looks like this will be MS Dhoni’s last season. The signs are there because, if you look at the Chennai setup, they have brought in a wicketkeeper-batsman who can play for the next few years. You can build your team around him and he can be the face of the franchise, that is Sanju Samson.

“He has also upgraded himself in terms of form in international cricket. He has just won a World Cup and has been batting fantastically well. That is one player MS Dhoni would want to pass the baton to, someone who has the caliber to do all that and whom even the fans can identify and connect with.

“With Sanju’s arrival, I feel Dhoni can now say that maybe it is time for him to pass on that baton. But should this have happened earlier? Because I feel that a player like MS Dhoni cannot be just a two-over player. You do not build your legacy like that. So yes, I think the time is right,” said Pathan on JioStar.

ALSO READ | BCCI Reveals IPL 2026 Full Schedule for Phase 2 Starting April 13

Concerns Over Dhoni’s Role As Finisher

Pathan also reflected on Dhoni’s evolving role in the team, pointing out that his impact as a finisher has reduced in recent seasons. He stressed that Dhoni may need to take on more responsibility with the bat if he continues to play.

“When CSK won their last trophy in Ahmedabad, there were already talks that he was coming too low down the order, even before those discussions gained momentum.

“But as he grew older, he also had the knee problem. So, in his mind, he was clear about his role, that he would come and bat in the last two overs and finish the game. But what happened? He was not able to finish those games. A few years ago, when Sandeep Sharma was bowling to him in the final over, MS Dhoni made that match interesting but could not finish it.

“We had not seen that from MS Dhoni before. That is happening more frequently now. So, if you are playing, you have to take more responsibility for your side and bat for at least four or five overs. It will be beneficial for the team,” he concluded.