‘This is clearly going to be MS Dhoni’s last season’ – Former India teammate makes huge claim after IPL 2026 mini-auction

Chennai Super Kings (CSK), which is known for backing experienced players, took a different approach in the IPL 2026 mini-auction on Tuesday, December 16, investing significantly in youth. The five-time champions paid INR 14.2 crore for Prashant Veer, a 19-year-old Uttar Pradesh left-arm spinner and power hitter.

The franchise also signed 20-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman Kartik Sharma for INR 14.2 crore, making them the joint-most expensive uncapped India players in auction history.

Last season, MS Dhoni captained CSK when Ruturaj Gaikwad was sidelined midway through the competition. The franchise recently dealt in Sanju Samson for Sam Curran and Ravindra Jadeja. Robin Uthappa, who played for India and CSK alongside Dhoni, believes the famous wicketkeeper-batsman is ready to take on a mentorship role for the Men in Yellow shortly.

“I think the writing is on the wall. This is clearly going to be MS Dhoni’s last season. No more conjecture, no more speculation about whether he is going to play another year or not. This year, he will be well and truly done,” Uthappa told JioHotstar on Tuesday.

“I think all the signs point towards that when you look at the investment in youth and the kind of teams they have picked since last year. They are focused on developing talent, uncovering talent and keeping that talent within the franchise,” he added.

CSK also acquired the services of 26-year-old leg-spinner Rahul Chahar and 28-year-old middle-order batter Sarfaraz Khan.

“It’s a fair call. If you can develop another Jadeja with the kind of mentorship MS Dhoni provides, along with the captaincy of Ruturaj Gaikwad, why not? That’s the direction you want to move in,” Uthappa said.

We all know that if he is not playing, he (Dhoni) will be mentoring the side: Robin Uthappa

Uthappa also stated that when Dhoni decides to hang up his boots, he will certainly be associated with CSK as their mentor.