IPL 2026: Should MS Dhoni step away from Chennai Super Kings?

Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Robin Uthappa believes the moment has arrived for MS Dhoni to call time on his IPL career and move on from CSK, with the franchise already well into a rebuilding phase.

In a recent interaction, Uthappa pointed out that Dhoni’s on-field influence has been deliberately scaled back over the past few seasons. He explained that the gradual handover of authority became clear after Dhoni reassumed the captaincy from Ravindra Jadeja, following which greater responsibility was consistently entrusted to Ruturaj Gaikwad.

According to Uthappa, the shift has been subtle but steady. With each passing season, Gaikwad has taken on more leadership duties, and the current make-up of the squad reflects a team that is ready to move ahead without Dhoni. In his view, the timing now feels appropriate for the former India captain to step aside.

CSK had earlier backed Gaikwad as their long-term leader, but his first full season in charge did not deliver the desired results, as the side missed out on a playoff spot. The situation deteriorated further during IPL 2025 when Gaikwad suffered an elbow fracture midway through the competition, ruling him out of the remainder of the tournament. His absence proved costly, with CSK finishing last on the points table for the first time ever.

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Over the years, signs of a changing guard at the franchise have become increasingly clear. Dhoni has been central to CSK’s identity for nearly two decades, yet the management has begun laying the groundwork for a future without him. That intent was reinforced ahead of the auction when CSK brought in Sanju Samson, who is widely viewed as a long-term option to take over wicketkeeping duties once Dhoni retires.

The transition plan extends beyond leadership as well. At the IPL 2026 mini auction, CSK made bold investments in emerging Indian players, spending Rs 14.2 crore each on Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma. Prashant is seen as a potential successor to Ravindra Jadeja due to his left-arm spin and batting ability, while Kartik has earned a strong reputation as an exciting wicketkeeper-batter on the domestic circuit and was in demand among several franchises.

How these young recruits perform, and whether they can live up to CSK’s faith, will only become clear once the next season gets underway.