'One last season as CSK captain' — MS Dhoni’s ex-teammate reveals wish amid Sanju Samson trade rumours before IPL 2026 mini auction – sportingnews.com

Divy Dubey
MS Dhoni’s IPL future remains one of the biggest talking points ahead of the 2026 mini auction. While the Chennai Super Kings star is available for another season, speculation around whether it could be his last is growing stronger.
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Former CSK batter S. Badrinath has now added his voice to the discussion, saying a farewell season as captain would be the “perfect ending” to Dhoni’s legendary journey in yellow.
Sharing his thoughts on X, Badrinath called the idea of Dhoni captaining CSK one final time in 2026 a “poetic” conclusion to an extraordinary career.
“MS Dhoni in IPL 2026: One last season as captain would be poetic. A perfect farewell for the man who’s given everything to the franchise and the city,” Badrinath wrote.
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Dhoni, 44, has led CSK to five IPL titles and remains synonymous with the franchise. Despite ongoing knee issues, he continues to be part of the setup, having been retained by the team for ₹4 crore in the uncapped category ahead of IPL 2025.
While Badrinath’s post sparked nostalgia among CSK fans, another major story has been brewing — the possible trade of Sanju Samson. Multiple reports suggest that the Rajasthan Royals captain has asked the franchise to release him before the IPL 2026 mini-auction.
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Cricbuzz hinted that Samson could move to CSK, though nothing is official yet. Addressing the speculation, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan told IANS, “No, not likely, not likely,” when asked about a potential trade.
If the move does happen, it would be among the biggest since Hardik Pandya’s return to Mumbai Indians in 2024. Samson’s arrival could also provide a long-term wicketkeeping option for CSK once Dhoni steps away.
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Divy Dubey is a content producer. He has a passion for cricket and is an avid fan of football. His work spans culture, media, and digital trends. With a background in research and a curiosity-driven approach, he enjoys crafting thoughtful, engaging stories that invite readers to see everyday topics in a new light.

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