MS Dhoni trains with CSK squad in Chennai as conjecture grows over reduced playing role and feasible farewell season. In the last few IPL editions, we have heard it many times. With IPL 2026 season days away, Irfan Pathan has told it once again – this could be the last time fans see Mahendra Singh Dhoni turn out for the Chennai Super Kings.
Long back Dhoni 44, quit international cricket, but has been an active participant for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, though in a diminishing role. With CSK like Dhoni trading Sanju Samson, a keeper-batter from Rajasthan Royals, speculation has intensified that the veteran might further diminish his playing role in the franchise.
Irfan Pathan told on JioHotstar’s ‘Game plan’ “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,”
“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.
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MS Dhoni already joined the training camp of CSK in Chennai alongside the squad led by skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Irfan Pathan told on what could be role of Dhoni during IPL 2026 “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 a 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.”
