New Delhi: Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League could be the fans’ “last time”. MS Dhoni Playing for Chennai Super Kings.As the IPL 2026 season draws nearer, the debate about Dhoni’s retirement has gained momentum once again.
Speculation intensified after CSK traded Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals, a move that many believe could further reduce his on-field role while the veteran continues to mentor the team.“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 the IPL without him,” Irfan said on JioHotstar’s ‘Game Plan’.“As soon as the IPL comes around, we start seeing Mahendra Singh Dhoni again, which means he’s all set for it, and he’s looking pretty fit too,” he added.The 44-year-old joined the CSK camp in Chennai earlier this month and has been training with the team led by captain Rutoraj Gaikwad.Pathan said Dhoni’s role could focus on guiding the team and help develop the next generation of leaders within the team.“This season, Dhoni will be instrumental in bringing everyone together. I am not sure how many games he will play. But his presence in the dressing room will be very helpful.“Sanju will benefit because he will also be part of the leadership group. Rituraj Gaekwad is the leader. But as a group, two or three guys are being groomed for the future. That’s where MS Dhoni comes in. I hope he makes a difference.”“Questions will still come up about his fitness, batting position, and whether he will play all the games. CSK team management will take him step by step. They will definitely try to give him a grand farewell by lifting his sixth IPL trophy.”Dhoni played 278 IPL matches for two franchises – CSK and Rising Pune Supergiant during the 2016 and 2017 seasons when CSK was suspended – scoring 5,439 runs in the tournament.Last season, he mostly appeared in brief cameo roles during the death overs, scoring 196 runs in 13 innings.CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan, however, has said the veteran will be available for the entire season and is expected to play “all matches” in the 2026 campaign.Pathan also feels that now is the time for young players to gradually take on more responsibilities within the franchise.“We have seen him take charge over the years, but I think it is time to hand it over to young captains like Ayush Mahatre, Devald Brews, Shivam Dubey and Rituraj Gaikwad.“CSK’s ethos has changed. It will be important for the youngsters to learn from MS Dhoni’s experience, and take the players with them. On paper, this is a very interesting team. In terms of the ability and intent to hit sixes, I’m really looking forward to seeing the fearlessness from this young CSK side.”The trade between CSK and Rajasthan Royals means that Ravindra Jadeja has returned to his former franchise, while Rajasthan have also parted ways with Jos Buttler.Former India cricketer and coach Sanjay Bangar believes Rajasthan’s young players should now step up after the departure of two experienced batsmen.“First they dropped Jos Buttler, and now there is no Sanju Samson either. Young batsmen have to lead the team,” Bangar said.“It will be a good start for Ryan Prag, playing three games at home. He will have home support as a local boy in Guwahati, coming here as a full-time captain for the first time. He will definitely want to do well in front of his home fans, but it won’t be easy for Rajasthan Royals.”Former India opener Abhinav Mukand also expressed concern over Sunrisers Hyderabad’s early fixtures and the availability of their captain Pat Cummins.“SRH have some tough games coming up initially, and you don’t know if Pete Cummins is fully available. He hasn’t made a statement yet, so we have to wait for that because he has been a linchpin for them,” he said.SRH will open their campaign against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru on March 28 before traveling to Kolkata Knight Riders on April 2 and returning home to take on Lucknow Supergiants on April 5.
