After the auction for the next season ends on December 16, the long wait and endless discussions surrounding MS Dhoni’s future in the IPL have once again hit the market. Former India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batsman Robin Uthappa has now made bold comments about MS Dhoni’s future in the IPL.

Uthappa believes that the upcoming IPL 2026 season is likely to be Dhoni’s last year as a player. He feels that Dhoni is slowly getting ready to serve as a full-time mentor in the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) camp.

IPL 2026 Is MS Dhoni’s last dance?

The 44-year-old legend remains a key figure in the five-time championship. The legendary wicketkeeper-batsman continues to keep wickets, step in as a finisher when needed and remains the calm leader everyone respects in the CSK camp.

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JioHotstar quoted Robin Uthappa as saying: “I think the writing is on the wall. This will obviously be MS Dhoni’s last season. There is no more speculation, no more speculation about whether he will play another year. This year, he will do well.”

Uthappa feels the team is preparing for a future without Dhoni on the field, just like the way they have built the team over the past few seasons. The importance that Chennai Super Kings place on young players has been very evident. Last season, CSK put their faith in youngsters such as Devalde Brevais, Ayush Mhatt and Uvir Patel and the move paid off.

Robin Uthappa says CSK is preparing for future without MS Dhoni

Later at the IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi, the team showed full confidence in the young and uncapped Indian players. CSK shocked everyone by spending a huge sum of Rs 28.4 crore on two youngsters. All-rounder Prashant Veer, 19, and wicketkeeper-batsman Kartik Sharma, 20, became the most expensive uncapped Indian players ever at the IPL auction.

Overall, Chennai spent Rs 41 crore to sign nine players, a clear indication that they are building a team for the long term. The core team has also undergone major changes. Ravindra Jadeja was traded to Rajasthan Royals while Sarfaraz Khan and Rahul Chahar were brought in.

These initiatives signal a new beginning and a new direction. Uthappa believes this is a perfect fit with Dhoni’s evolving role and his experience and guidance can help shape the next generation of CSK players.

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MS Dhoni to be mentor-cum-player in IPL 2026: Robin Uthappa

He further explained, “I think when you look at the investment in youth and the type of squad they have picked since last year, all signs point to that. They are focused on developing talent, spotting talent and retaining talent in the squad. It’s a fair call. If you can develop another Jadeja under the guidance that MS Dhoni has provided, along with the captaincy of Ruturaj Gaikwad, why not? That’s the direction you want to go in.”

The former India batsman feels that Dhoni has considered him as a mentor and will also play whenever required. Uthappa concluded: “We all know that if he doesn’t play, he will be coaching the team. I think this year he will operate as a mentor-cum-player. He already sees things from that perspective and that’s why they bring in players like this.”