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 playing for Chennai Super Kings.
As the IPL 2026 season approaches, discussions around Dhoni’s retirement have once again gathered momentum.
Speculation intensified after CSK traded Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals, a move that many believe could allow the veteran to further reduce his on-field role while continuing 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 tough 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 is fully prepared for it, and he is looking very fit as well," he added.
The 44-year-old joined the CSK camp in Chennai earlier this month and has been training with the squad led by captain Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Pathan said Dhoni’s role could increasingly focus on guiding the team and helping develop the next generation of leaders within the side.
"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 as a group, two or three guys are being groomed for the future. That is where MS Dhoni comes in. I hope he makes a difference.
"Questions about his fitness, batting position, and whether he will play all games will still come up. The CSK team management will take it step by step. They will definitely look to give him a perfect farewell by lifting their sixth IPL trophy.”
Dhoni has featured in 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.
CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan, however, has stated that the veteran will be available for the full season and is expected to play “all matches” in the 2026 campaign.
Pathan also feels the time has come for younger players to gradually take on more responsibility within the franchise.
"We have seen him take responsibility for a number of years now, but I think 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.
"CSK's ideology has changed. It will be key for the youngsters to learn from MS Dhoni's experience, and for him to take the players ahead alongside him. It is a very exciting team on paper. In terms of six-hitting ability and intent, I am really looking forward to seeing the fearlessness from this young CSK side."
The trade between CSK and Rajasthan Royals means 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 younger players must now step up following the departure of two experienced 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.
"It will be a good start for Riyan Parag, playing three games at home. He will get home support in Guwahati as a local boy, coming here for the first time as a full-time captain. He will definitely want to perform well in front of his home fans, but it won't be easy for the Rajasthan Royals."
Former India opener Abhinav Mukund also raised concerns about Sunrisers Hyderabad’s early fixtures and the availability of their captain Pat Cummins.
"SRH have some difficult games coming up at the start, and you don't know whether Pat Cummins is fully available or not. They haven't made any statement yet, so we'll have to wait for that because he has been a lynchpin for them," he said.
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.
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