This could be Dhoni’s last season: Irfan Pathan

Story by PTI | Posted by Vidushi Gaur | Date 14-03-2026

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan

New Delhi

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League could be the “last time” fans see MS Dhoni turning out for Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

As the 2026 IPL approaches, speculation surrounding Dhoni’s retirement has once again gathered pace. The discussions intensified after CSK traded Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals, a move many believe could allow the veteran to reduce his on-field workload while continuing to mentor the side.

“CSK is incomplete without MS Dhoni. This season might be the last time we see him in the yellow jersey and it’s tough to imagine CSK and the IPL without him,” Pathan said on JioHotstar’s Game Plan.

“As soon as the IPL comes around, we start seeing Mahendra Singh Dhoni again, which means he is fully prepared for it and looking very fit as well,” he added.

The 44-year-old has already joined the CSK camp in Chennai earlier this month and has been training alongside the squad led by captain Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Pathan said Dhoni’s role could increasingly revolve around guiding the team and helping develop the next generation of leaders within the franchise.

“This season, Dhoni will play an important role in bringing everyone together. I’m not sure how many games he will play, but his presence in the dressing room will help a lot.

“Sanju will benefit because he will be part of the leadership group as well. Ruturaj Gaikwad is the leader, but two or three players are being groomed for the future. That is where MS Dhoni comes in.”

Dhoni has played 278 IPL matches across two franchises — CSK and Rising Pune Supergiant during the 2016 and 2017 seasons when CSK were suspended — scoring 5,439 runs in the tournament.

Last season he was mostly seen in brief cameo roles during the death overs, scoring 196 runs from 13 innings.

However, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has said that Dhoni will be available for the full season and is expected to play “all matches” in the 2026 campaign.

Pathan also said that the time has come for younger players to gradually shoulder more responsibility within the franchise.

“We have seen him take responsibility for many years, but this is the time for the baton to pass on to the likes of Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube and Ruturaj Gaikwad, who is a young captain as well,” he said.

Meanwhile, the trade between CSK and Rajasthan Royals means Ravindra Jadeja is back with his former franchise, while Rajasthan have also parted ways with Jos Buttler.

Former India cricketer and coach Sanjay Bangar believes Rajasthan’s younger players must step up following the departure of two established batters.

“First they let go of Jos Buttler, and now there is no Sanju Samson as well. The young batsmen in the team will have to take the lead,” Bangar said.

He also said Riyan Parag will face expectations as captain when the team plays its home games in Guwahati.

Former India opener Abhinav Mukund, meanwhile, raised concerns about the early fixtures for Sunrisers Hyderabad and the availability of their captain Pat Cummins.

SRH will begin their campaign against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru on March 28 before travelling to face Kolkata Knight Riders on April 2 and returning home to take on Lucknow Super Giants on April 5.