MS Dhoni's farewell? Legendary cricketer predicts this will be his last IPL season

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra believes that IPL 2026 could be MS Dhoni's last season as a player. Aakash Chopra says that Sanju Samson has already emerged as Dhoni's heir apparent in the Chennai team. He said that if Dhoni plays solely as an impact player for Chennai Super Kings this season, he should consider retirement.

Speaking to JioHotstar, Aakash Chopra said, "You don't run a team from the dugout; this isn't football. In cricket, you need to be on the field, and MS Dhoni's greatest strength is that he understands the game better than anyone else. This clear thinking and determination is what makes him who he is. In any case, I think this could be his last season."

He added, "Now he has a successor. Sanju Samson will eventually don the gloves, and it could happen any time this season. Again, conditions apply regarding Dhoni's fitness and his knee, but he can't be an impact player. If he's playing as an impact player, I think it's time for him to retire."

When asked if MS Dhoni is still the unofficial captain of Chennai Super Kings on the field, Aakash Chopra said, "There's a small example. If you want your child to start walking, you have to hold their hand and teach them. However, if you want them to run, you have to let them go. If you keep holding on, they'll never learn to run. From Dhoni's perspective, if someone is chosen as the next captain, he has to step back, and I think he has already done that."

In IPL 2026, Chennai Super Kings will open their campaign against Rajasthan Royals at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on March 30. Chennai had a disappointing performance in IPL 2025, winning just four out of 14 matches and losing ten.