MS Dhoni Expected to Take Mentor Role as Ruturaj Gaikwad Retains CSK Captaincy

Ahead of IPL 2026, speculation surrounds MS Dhoni's potential final season with Chennai Super Kings, with expectations he may adopt a mentor-cum-player role and bat lower in the order, possibly at number eight. The acquisition of Sanju Samson has sparked debate about captaincy, but former teammate Robin Uthappa supports retaining Ruturaj Gaikwad as captain to allow him time to establish leadership, emphasizing continuity over immediate changes.