“Need to cut that career now”: Legendary cricketer asks MS Dhoni to retire immed
A Call for Change in Chennai
The 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season has been one to forget for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Finishing at the 8th position on the points table with only 12 points from 14 matches, the five-time champions have now missed the playoffs for three consecutive seasons. In the wake of this disappointing campaign, former South African pace icon Dale Steyn has weighed in on the future of franchise legend MS Dhoni, suggesting that the veteran wicket-keeper-batter should walk away from the game.
Steyn’s Perspective on Dhoni’s Future
Speaking on a recent episode of AB de Villiers’ YouTube channel, Dale Steyn did not mince his words. Reflecting on the state of the CSK squad and the lack of on-field impact from their talismanic leader, Steyn opined that the time for transition has arrived. “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,” the 42-year-old remarked.
The discussion highlights a growing sentiment among cricket pundits that while Dhoni remains an iconic figure, his continued presence as an active player—or lack thereof—might be preventing the franchise from fully pivoting toward a new generation of talent.
The Absence from the Dugout
One of the most debated aspects of the 2026 season was MS Dhoni’s complete absence from the field and the team’s dugout. Reports indicated that Dhoni chose to stay away to avoid drawing unnecessary limelight, aiming to let the younger players take center stage. However, Dale Steyn strongly disagreed with this approach.
Drawing a comparison to Mumbai Indians legend Sachin Tendulkar, who remains a visible and active mentor for his franchise, Steyn argued that Dhoni’s presence is vital for team morale. “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 Shares the Disappointment
The sentiment was echoed by AB de Villiers, who also participated in the discussion. De Villiers expressed his personal disappointment at not seeing the legendary keeper-batter in action throughout the tournament. For fans and legends alike, the anticipation of seeing Dhoni walk out to bat remained a recurring theme throughout the season, yet that moment never materialized.
“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 explained. He noted that the constant speculation regarding Dhoni’s availability for the next match created a lingering narrative that arguably overshadowed the team’s performances.
What Lies Ahead for CSK?
As the dust settles on the 2026 IPL, the management at Chennai Super Kings faces a period of deep introspection. With three years of missed playoff qualifications, the franchise stands at a crossroads. The debate sparked by Dale Steyn reflects the broader tension between honoring a storied past and the urgent necessity of rebuilding for the future. Whether or not Dhoni decides to heed this advice and step away remains the biggest question looming over the CSK organization as they look toward the next cycle of the tournament.
