Arjit Kumar - Wednesday, Dec 17, 2025MS Dhoni Retirement News: Speculation surrounding the IPL future of Indian cricket legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni seems to be coming to an end. Former Indian cricketer and ex-CSK player Robin Uthappa has claimed that IPL 2026 will be Dhoni's last season. After this, 'Thala' will definitely bid farewell to cricket and will be seen in a new role as a mentor for Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
Betting on Youth, Preparing for the Post-Dhoni Era: According to Uthappa, the change in strategy adopted by Chennai Super Kings in the recent mini-auction is strong evidence that the franchise is now preparing for the 'post-Dhoni era'. CSK, which was once known for its experienced players, is now heavily investing in future stars.
Making History at the Auction: In the IPL 2026 mini-auction, CSK showcased its forward-thinking approach:
'Mahi' to be seen in a Mentor Role: In a conversation with JioHotstar, Uthappa said, "I think the picture is clear now. This is Dhoni's last season, and there are no ifs and buts about it. He will be in a mentor-cum-player role this year and will become a full-fledged team mentor after retirement."
CSK spent ₹41 crore out of their ₹43.40 crore purse, with a large portion of it invested in young players. With Ruturaj Gaikwad as captain and experienced players like Sanju Samson in the squad, Dhoni's guidance is set to lead the team into a new era. While this news may be emotional for fans, for CSK, it is part of a well-thought-out and robust strategy.
