“Need to cut that career now”: Legendary cricketer asks MS Dhoni to retire immed
The End of an Era?
The IPL 2026 season concluded with a whimper rather than a roar for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Finishing at the 8th position on the points table with only 12 points from 14 games, the five-time champions faced their third consecutive season without a playoff appearance. Amidst the introspection regarding the franchise’s future, former South African fast-bowling legend Dale Steyn has offered a blunt assessment regarding the career of MS Dhoni.
Dale Steyn’s Perspective
In a recent appearance on AB de Villiers’ YouTube channel, Steyn didn’t mince his words when discussing the iconic wicket-keeper-batter. Reflecting on the state of the team and the transition period required for CSK, the 42-year-old expressed a clear sentiment. “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 remarked.
This opinion stems from a broader concern about the team’s identity. With the CSK setup struggling to find consistency, the focus, according to Steyn, should shift entirely to nurturing new talent. Keeping a legendary figure in the wings creates a shadow that might inadvertently stifle the emergence of future leaders within the squad.
The Issue of Absence
Beyond the question of retirement, the conversation also touched upon Dhoni’s total absence from the matches this season. Due to various injury concerns, the veteran did not feature in any matches for CSK, nor was he spotted in the team dug-out. Reports suggested that Dhoni preferred to stay away to ensure the limelight remained on the younger players rather than on himself.
Dale Steyn, however, respectfully disagreed with this approach. He drew a parallel to the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who remains a constant presence in the Mumbai Indians’ camp. “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 added.
AB de Villiers Weighs In
The sentiment was echoed by AB de Villiers, who shared his disappointment in not seeing the icon on the field. Like millions of fans globally, De Villiers hoped to witness Dhoni in action, but the tournament passed without a single appearance from the former skipper.
“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,” De Villiers noted. He highlighted the ongoing speculation that dominated the season, with fans constantly questioning if Dhoni would make his return in the next fixture, only for the tournament to conclude with his absence.
Looking Ahead for CSK
The debate surrounding MS Dhoni’s future is indicative of the challenge many franchises face when transitioning away from talismanic figures. While his legacy in the IPL is cemented, the data from the 2026 season suggests that the Chennai Super Kings are at a crossroads. As the franchise looks to rebuild and return to its winning ways, the opinions of cricket greats like Steyn and De Villiers provide an external view on the necessity of change.
Whether Dhoni decides to heed this advice and step away remains a matter of speculation. However, one thing is certain: the cricketing world remains deeply invested in every move the former captain makes, proving that even in his absence, his influence on the sport is unparalleled.
