“Need to cut that career now”: Legendary cricketer asks MS Dhoni to retire immed
CSK’s Ongoing Transition and the Call for Retirement
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) endured another challenging campaign in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, finishing at a disappointing eighth spot on the points table. Despite showing signs of life with multiple victories during the mid-phase of the tournament, the five-time champions managed only 12 points from their 14 group-stage matches. This unsuccessful run marks the third consecutive season in which the powerhouse franchise has failed to secure a spot in the playoffs, raising serious questions about the team’s future direction and its veteran core.
In the wake of this disappointing exit, legendary South African fast bowler Dale Steyn has weighed in on the future of franchise icon MS Dhoni. During a candid conversation on fellow South African cricket legend AB de Villiers’ YouTube channel, Steyn expressed his belief that the time has officially come for the former captain to permanently hang up his boots and allow Chennai to move forward into a new era.
Dale Steyn’s Strong Stance on MS Dhoni’s Career
Discussing the state of Chennai Super Kings, Dale Steyn did not hold back his thoughts on MS Dhoni’s current position within the franchise. The 42-year-old former speedster suggested that the legendary wicketkeeper-batter should officially announce his retirement to allow the franchise to shift its focus entirely to the next generation of players.
Steyn stated during the interaction: “I don’t know, but I think Dhoni, you need to cut that career now. He’s been a wonderful player, but other guys need to be the main focus now.”
Steyn’s comments highlight a growing sentiment among analysts that CSK’s reliance on the aura of Dhoni, even when he is not actively playing, might be hindering the development of emerging leaders within the squad. With the team failing to reach the playoffs for three seasons straight, the necessity for a clean break and a structured rebuilding phase has become more evident than ever.
The Mystery of Dhoni’s Absence in IPL 2026
One of the most talked-about talking points of the IPL 2026 season was MS Dhoni’s complete absence from the active squad. Due to multiple injuries, the iconic keeper-batter did not feature in a single match for Chennai Super Kings throughout the entire tournament. Furthermore, Dhoni chose not to occupy a spot in the team’s dugout during matches, leaving fans and commentators wondering about his physical involvement with the team.
Reports emerged during the tournament indicating that Dhoni purposefully avoided sitting in the dugout because he did not want to draw the limelight away from the active players. He believed that his presence on the sidelines would shift the media focus onto himself rather than on the emerging cricketers who needed to establish themselves. However, Dale Steyn strongly disagreed with this line of reasoning.
Steyn drew a direct comparison to Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, who remains a constant presence in the Mumbai Indians camp to support his former franchise. Steyn argued that Dhoni’s physical presence in the dugout would have provided an invaluable psychological boost to a struggling Chennai side.
“MS didn’t come to one of the games. You know, he did say that he doesn’t like to come to the games because he doesn’t want to make the game about himself. But I’m sorry, he is still, when you think yellow jersey, you think MS Dhoni. I mean, Sachin still comes to every MI game. He’s there. MS being there, I have to disagree. I feel like MS being there on the field will certainly help and boost the feeling of the dressing room,” Steyn explained.
AB de Villiers Expresses Disappointment
Echoing Steyn’s sentiments, former Royal Challengers Bangalore superstar AB de Villiers also expressed his disappointment regarding Dhoni’s complete absence from the park. Like millions of cricket enthusiasts worldwide, De Villiers was eagerly anticipating seeing the legendary finisher in some capacity, even if it was just on the sidelines supporting the team.
“I was calling for him just in case he’s going to be around there. Just put up your hand for the wicket keeper. The guys are going to love having you on the park bench at seven and play every single game, kind of thing. That never happened. So, every single game everyone was discussing was whether MSD is going to play the next one. Is he going to play the next one? And boom, now it’s the end of the tournament. He never played,” De Villiers remarked.
The constant speculation surrounding Dhoni’s fitness and availability created an ongoing distraction throughout the season, a narrative that ultimately concluded without the legendary player ever taking the field. For CSK, the focus must now shift to addressing the structural issues that led to their eighth-place finish and preparing for a future where the iconic number 7 is no longer part of the active roster.
