Legendary Indian captain Sourav Ganguly recently shared his opinion on CSK veteran MS Dhoni's retirement from the IPL after the upcoming season of 2026. The five-time title-winning skipper for CSK turns 45 after the end of IPL 2026.
'When will MS Dhoni retire from the IPL?' This has been the one question every season before the start of the IPL for nearly half a decade. The legendary captain from India has led CSK to multiple titles over the years. CSK last won their fifth IPL title under his captaincy in 2023, when Dhoni was 41-years old.
With Rohit Sharma having stepped down from captaincy and Dhoni leading CSK in Ruturaj Gaikwad's absence in the last season, he undoubtedly is the oldest ever skipper in the history of the IPL. He is also the oldest skipper to win an IPL title.
Sourav Ganguly gives away no secrets on MS Dhoni's retirement
Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly had a very simple opinion when he was asked about MS Dhoni's retirement from the IPL. Sourav Ganguly gave away no secrets regarding any possibility of Dhoni retiring from the competition.
However, the former Indian skipper hinted that they may have a conversation regarding the matter in the near future. "I will tell (MS) Dhoni what to do and not to the media," Sourav Ganguly said at an event, as quoted by NDTV.
MS Dhoni made his India debut under former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly; hence, the two former cricketers share a very close relationship with each other. MS Dhoni has been retired from international cricket for nearly 7 years.
Former KKR batter believes 2026 would be MS Dhoni's last IPL season
Former Indian player Aakash Chopra contradicts Sourav Ganguly on this stand. The competition will start on the 28th of March, and the former star felt that this might be Dhoni's last season, as the franchise backed themselves with Sanju Samson ready to be their heir.
The player felt that, functioning as an impact player, Dhoni could not be of much use and hence, he should consider retirement. CSK, however, have not hinted whether Dhoni or Samson would be used as an impact player.
Chopra further claimed that this is cricket and not a game like football that one can lead from the dugout. He pointed out that MS Dhoni's greatest ability is to read the game better than anybody else; hence, his utility would be best seen on the field.
"That clarity and conviction are what make him who he is. In any case, I feel this could be his last season," said Chopra.
What good would Dhoni fetch if he were used as an Impact player?
Will MS Dhoni be used as an Impact Player? This has been the biggest question of this edition of the IPL. Dhoni, despite his age, has never featured as an Impact player. However, Sanju Samson has been brought in at the huge expense of Ravindra Jadeja to find an experienced wicket-keeper batter.
MS Dhoni's fitness and the condition of his knee would also play a massive role here. However, despite all, he cannot be an impact player. This is because Dhoni's best use can be made when he dons the gloves behind the wickets. At this age, Dhoni cannot field in the outfield.
India's T20 World Cup hero Sanju Samson might not be seen as a major impact player since he could adapt to the conditions on the field if he spent some time on the field during their bowling innings.
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