MS Dhoni To Finally Retire After IPL 2026? Ex Teammate REVEALS

Speculation surrounding MS Dhoni's future in the Indian Premier League may finally be nearing an end. Ex India and Chennai Super Kings batter Robin Uthappa believes that the IPL 2026 season is set to be Dhoni's last as a player, with the CSK legend already preparing for a transition into a mentoring role within the franchise.

At 44, Dhoni continues to be an influential figure for CSK, contributing as a lower-order finisher, wicketkeeper and leader. However, Uthappa feels the signs are unmistakable, particularly when one looks at Chennai's clear shift in squad-building philosophy over the past year.

"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 about whether he is going to play

another year or not. This year, he will be well and truly done," Uthappa told JioHotstar on Tuesday.

CSK's renewed focus on youth has been evident. Towards the latter stages of last season, the franchise found success with younger players such as Dewald Brevis, Ayush Mhatre and Urvil Patel. That approach was taken a step further at the IPL 2026 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi, where CSK invested heavily in uncapped Indian talent.

The franchise spent a staggering Rs 28.4 crore on two youngsters alone - 19-year-old all-rounder Prashant Veer and 20-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Kartik Sharma - making them the most expensive uncapped Indian players in auction history. Overall, CSK spent Rs 41 crore to sign nine players, signalling a long-term rebuild.

"I think all the signs point towards that when you look at the investment in youth and the kind of teams they have picked since last year. They are focused on developing talent, uncovering talent and keeping that talent within the franchise," Uthappa added.

Chennai also reshaped their core by trading Ravindra Jadeja to Rajasthan Royals, while bringing in Sarfaraz Khan and Rahul Chahar. Uthappa believes this reset aligns perfectly with Dhoni's evolving role.

"It's a fair call. If you can develop another Jadeja with the kind of mentorship MS Dhoni provides, along with the captaincy of Ruturaj Gaikwad, why not? That's the direction you want to move in," he said.

While Dhoni briefly returned to captaincy last season after Ruturaj Gaikwad's injury, Uthappa feels the transition is already underway.

"We all know that if he is not playing, he will be mentoring the side. I think this year he will operate as a mentor-cum-player. He is already viewing things from that perspective, which is why they are bringing in players like these," he said.

After years of retirement speculation, IPL 2026 could finally mark the end of Dhoni's storied on-field career - but not his association with CSK.