Dhoni To Leave CSK Mid-IPL 2026 Season If Samson Joins? Ex-Cricketer’s Big Claim | Cricket News

MS Dhoni could be heading for the exit.

(BCCI Photo)

Former India international Mohammad Kaif believes that if Chennai Super Kings (CSK) finalise a trade deal to bring in Sanju Samson, it could mark the beginning of the end of MS Dhoni’s career with the long-term franchise. Kaif said that the reported trade — Samson to CSK in exchange for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to Rajasthan Royals (RR) — is part of Dhoni’s ‘long-term’ vision to pick a deserving heir before leaving.

According to reports, CSK and RR have all but finalised the trade after speaking to all three players. The next step is to ratify the deal with the IPL governing council and get an agreement finalised.

Ruturaj Gaikwad is CSK’s captain, though he missed most of the last season, allowing Dhoni to take the lead again. The latter is 43, and there’s a good chance that 2026 would be his last season in the tournament.

“Both players (Dhoni and Jadeja) started their IPL careers in 2008,” Kaif said on his YouTube channel. “Since joining CSK, Dhoni has never left the franchise. If this trade happens, it could be his last season — maybe even one he doesn’t finish. If Sanju settles well with the team and management, Dhoni could hand him the rein.”

Samson is said to have expressed his desire to leave RR after the 2025 season, after 11 years with the franchise. He also missed most of the last season due to injury, and even in matches he played, not everything seemed well between him and the team. He is the longest-serving captain for RR, leading in 67 matches and 33 wins.

Jadeja, on the other hand, was given the job in 2022. It came as a surprise at the time, but he was the second seniormost option after Dhoni, and Gaikwad hadn’t yet made his debut.

CSK lost seven of the first eight matches, and Dhoni had to step in to gain. Samson would represent a more stable option and his popularity in Southern India would be a bonus.

“Jadeja tried captaincy but wasn’t comfortable. Not everyone can lead in the IPL. Dhoni’s long-term vision seems clear — he’s ready to give up Jadeja to bring in a future captain,” Kaif added.