New Delhi: Former India all-rounder Irrfan Pathan believes that the upcoming Indian Premier League could be the “last” time fans see MS Dhoni playing for the Chennai Super Kings.
As the IPL 2026 season approaches, discussions surrounding Dhoni’s retirement are heating up again.
Speculations intensified after CSK traded Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals, with many believing the move would allow the veteran to further reduce his role on the field while continuing to guide the team.
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“CSK is incomplete without MS Dhoni. This season might be the last time we see him in the yellow jersey and it’s hard to imagine CSK and IPL without him,” Irfan said on JioHotstar’s ‘Game Plan’.
“As soon as the IPL starts, we start seeing Mahendra Singh Dhoni again, which means he is fully prepared and he looks very fit as well,” he added.
The 44-year-old joined CSK’s training camp in Chennai earlier this month and has been training under captain Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Pathan said Dhoni’s role may increasingly focus on coaching the team and helping develop the next generation of leaders in the franchise.
“This season, Dhoni will play a big role in uniting everyone. I am not sure how many games he will play. But his presence in the dressing room will help a lot.
“Sanju will benefit as he will also be part of the leadership team. Ruturaj Gaikwad is the leader. But as a team, there are two or three guys who are getting ready for the future. That’s where MS Dhoni comes in. I hope he can make a difference.
“Questions regarding his fitness, batting position and whether he will play all the games will still arise. The CSK team management will address the issue step by step. They will surely give him a perfect send-off by lifting the sixth IPL trophy.”
Dhoni played 278 IPL matches for two teams (CSK and Rising Pune Supergiant) during CSK’s suspended 2016 and 2017 seasons, scoring 5,439 runs in the match.
Last season, he mainly made brief cameos in the death overs, scoring 196 runs in 13 innings.
However, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan said the veteran will feature throughout the season and is expected to feature in “all games” during the 2026 season.
Pathan also believes that the time has come for young players to gradually take on more responsibilities in the team.
“We have seen him take on the responsibility over the years but I think it is time to pass the baton to the likes of Ayush Maitre, Devalde Brevis, Shivam Dubey and Ruturaj Gaikwad, who is also a young captain.
“CSK’s ideology has changed. It will be key for the youngsters to learn from MS Dhoni’s experience and him taking the players forward alongside him. On paper, this is a very exciting team. In terms of six-bat ability and intent, I’m really looking forward to seeing the fearlessness of this young CSK team.”
The deal between CSK and Rajasthan Royals means Ravindra Jadeja returns to his previous team while Rajasthan also part ways with Jos Buttler.
Former India cricketer and coach Sanjay Bangar feels that Rajasthan’s youngsters must now step up after the departure of two experienced batsmen.
“First they dropped Jos Buttler and now Sanju Samson as well. The young batsmen in the team have to lead the way,” Bangal said.
“It will be a good start for Riyan Parag, playing three games at home. As a local boy, he will have home support in Guwahati, coming here as a full-time captain for the first time. He will definitely want to perform well in front of the home fans but it will not be easy for Rajasthan Royals.”
Former India opener Abhinav Mukund also expressed concerns over Sunrisers Hyderabad’s early schedule and the availability of captain Pat Cummins.
“SRH had some difficult games at the start and you didn’t know if Pat Cummins was fully available. They haven’t made any statement yet so we have to wait because he has been key for them,” he said.
SRH will take on defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore on March 28 before taking on Kolkata Knight Riders on April 2 and return home to face Lucknow Supergiants on April 5.