Right time for MS Dhoni to step away: Ex-CSK batter urges franchise to build for future after IPL 2026 auction
A former CSK batter has urged the franchise to move on from MS Dhoni, suggesting it is the perfect time for the legendary wicket-keeper batter to retire from the IPL.
Former India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Robin Uthappa feels it might be the right time for MS Dhoni to draw curtains on his Indian Premier League (IPL) career after the kind of squad the franchise has assembled in the IPL 2026 auction. CSK spent heavily on young uncapped Indian players at the auction, indicating a complete shift in their philosophy.
The five-time champions, who were known for preferring experience over youth, changed their strategy after a disastrous campaign in IPL 2025 where the finished at the bottom of the table. After roping in the likes of Kartik Sharma, Prashant Veer and Sarfaraz Khan at the IPL 2026 auction, CSK now have a relatively young and fresh squad for the upcoming season.
Uthappa urged CSK to embrace the future and back the young players, suggesting it is the right time for Dhoni to step away. The legendary wicket-keeper batter, who has been synonymous to CSK's success over the years, continues to remain a vital cog in their line-up despite being 44. However, Uthappa believes CSK should now move on from their former captain.
"I don’t think his (Dhoni’s) role changes dramatically because this transition has been ongoing for a while. Ever since the captaincy returned to him from Ravindra Jadeja, you could see that he’s been gradually shifting responsibility year after year. Each season, more responsibility has moved towards Ruturaj Gaikwad," Uthappa said during IPL Acution Review show on JioHotstar.
"When you look at this squad now, it genuinely feels like the right time for Dhoni to step away, because many of these players were literally kids when he first started playing the IPL. From here, CSK will need to identify a core from within this group and build forward," he added.
CSK invest in youth in IPL 2026 auction
Chennai Super Kings invested in youth at the IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday as they spent big on uncapped Indian players. CSK roped in Uttar Pradesh all-rounder Prashant Veer and Rajasthan wicket-keeper batter Kartik Sharma for Rs 14.20 crore each at the auction.
Veer, who bowls left-arm spin and is a reliable lower middle order batter, was the emerging player of the season in the UPT20 2025. He has been touted by many as a like-for-like replacement for Ravindra Jadeja for CSK. Kartik is an exciting keeper-batter who is known for his six-hitting prowess.
Sarfaraz Khan, Rahul Chahar and Aman Khan were CSK's other Indian buys at the auction. They bolstered their bowling attack by roping in the likes of Matt Henry, Akeal Hosein and Zak Foulkes as their overseas picks. CSK also bought Australia all-rounder Matthew Short to strengthen their all-rounders' department.