Former India and Chennai Super Kings batter Robin Uthappa has predicted that the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) will be MS Dhoni’s final season before he hangs his boots for good. 

Dhoni is set to feature in his 17th season for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at this year’s showpiece tournament. The former India skipper will be turning 45 this year and is well nearing the end of his time in the IPL. 

Uthappa believes that the IPL 2026 will see Dhoni take a little backseat and serve as a mentor to the upcoming youngsters within the CSK camp and coming lower down the order to allow them more opportunities to showcase their talent. 

"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. 

As a way of futureproofing their squad post Dhoni’s retirement, CSK have already traded in Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royal in exchange of Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. 

Despite the marquee signing of Samson, Uthappadoes not believe that the armband should be taken away from Ruturaj Gaikwad. The current skipper needs backing from the management and should be allowed to express his authority in the side in the absence of Dhoni. 

"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," Uthappa added.

CSK will come into the 2026 IPL on the back of a disappointing season last time around where they finished at the bottom of the standings.