IPL 2026: 'I feel this could be MS Dhoni's last season,' says Aakash Chopra
New Delhi, March 24
Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra believes that the Indian Premier League 2026, which will start on March 28, could be the last season for Chennai Super Kings most experienced player, MS Dhoni, as Sanju Samson is ready to be his heir.
Chopra also said that veteran should consider retirement if he continues only as an Impact Player for Chennai Super Kings this season.
"You don't run the team from the dugout, it's not football. In cricket, you need to be on the field, and MS Dhoni's biggest asset is his ability to read the game better than anybody else. That clarity and conviction are what make him who he is. In any case, I feel this could be his last season," Chopra told Jio Hotstar.
"He has the heir apparent now. Sanju Samson will eventually don the gloves, it could even happen at some stage during this season. Again, conditions apply in terms of MS Dhoni's fitness and his knee. But he cannot be the Impact Player. If he is playing as an Impact Player, I think it's time for him to hang up his boots," he added.
When asked whether MS Dhoni is still the unofficial captain of Chennai Super Kings on the field, Akash Chopra said, "There's a small analogy. If you want your baby to start walking, you need to hold their hand and teach them. But if you want them to run, you need to let go. If you keep holding on, they will never learn to run. From Dhoni's point of view, if somebody has been anointed as the next Captain, then he has to take a backseat, and I think he already has."
Meanwhile, MS Dhoni's role will be in focus when CSK start their campaign against Rajasthan Royals on March 30 at Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As a die-hard CSK fan from Chennai, this news breaks my heart 💛. But we have to be practical. Dhoni has given us everything. Seeing him play even one more season is a blessing. Let's enjoy his magic while we can and trust the process for the future. #ThalaForever
Respectfully, I disagree with Chopra. Dhoni's mind is his biggest weapon. Even from the boundary, his guidance is invaluable. If he's fit and wants to play, let him. The "heir apparent" talk puts unnecessary pressure on Sanju. Let's just watch the cricket.
The transition was always going to be emotional. Sanju is a fantastic player and has learned so much. But there will only ever be one MSD. Hoping for a fairytale finish if this is truly his last dance. The first match in Guwahati will be so special!
Watching from the UK, Dhoni's career has been incredible. The calmness he brings is unmatched in world cricket. It's smart planning to talk about succession now. CSK is a well-run franchise; they'll handle this transition better than most.
End of an era, yaar. Grew up watching him. His retirement from international cricket was tough, and now IPL... It feels like my own childhood is ending. But all good things must come to an end. Thank you, Mahi bhai, for the memories. 🙏
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