Have Indian cricket fans seen the last of MS Dhoni as a player in the Indian Premier League (IPL)? Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Subramaniam Badrinath feels that seems to be the case. The former India cricketer believes Dhoni is set to step into the role of mentor and batting coach at CSK as the franchise undergoes a period of transition, marked by the release of its existing coaching staff.
Dhoni, who recently declined to confirm whether he will return as a player for CSK in IPL 2027, could be preparing to transition into the support staff, Badrinath strongly suspects.
Former CSK batter Badrinath suggests MS Dhoni may retire as a player ahead of the IPL 2027 season and become mentor and batting coach for Chennai Super Kings.
Following the departures of Stephen Fleming and other members of the longstanding coaching staff, CSK brought in former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan as their new head coach. Gareth Batty , Mohit Sharma, and Albie Morkel have joined Zaheer in the backroom team, with a few more appointments expected to be finalised shortly. At this stage, it is about assessing the squad, so no matter who is brought in as coach, strategic changes will not drastically impact the players yet. It seems unlikely that the core squad will undergo major alterations either,” he added. Whether MS Dhoni takes the field as a player or guides the team from the dugout, his influence on Chennai Super Kings remains as important as ever. If he decides to end his career as a player, transitioning into a dual role as mentor and batting coach allows CSK to preserve his tactical genius, calm presence, and deep familiarity with the team’s culture. Alternatively, if fitness assessments favor another run on the field, Dhoni could complete a final player contract while seamlessly advising the new-look coaching staff under Zaheer Khan.
Because the mega auction is just a year away, “I feel all of these new coaches might only have one-year contracts. Either way, IPL 2027 marks a definitive season for CSK, with Dhoni acting as the key bridge to ensure the franchise’s culture stays intact.
