“Need to cut that career now”: Legendary cricketer asks MS Dhoni to retire immed
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A Call for Change in Chennai
The conclusion of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season has left Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fans reflecting on a challenging year. Finishing at the 8th position on the points table with only 12 points from 14 games, the five-time champions have now missed the play-offs for three consecutive seasons. Amidst this slump, former South African fast-bowling legend Dale Steyn has weighed in with a bold perspective, suggesting that it is time for the iconic MS Dhoni to step away from the sport.
The Verdict from Dale Steyn
During a recent discussion on fellow legend AB de Villiers’ YouTube channel, Steyn did not hold back his thoughts on Dhoni’s current status. The 42-year-old former pacer expressed admiration for Dhoni’s storied career but emphasized the need for a transition. “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 sentiment highlights a broader conversation within the cricketing world regarding the necessity of grooming the next generation of leadership and talent within the CSK franchise. For Steyn, the time for nostalgia has passed, and the focus must shift entirely to the future of the team.
Absence and Leadership Concerns
Beyond the simple call for retirement, Steyn also addressed Dhoni’s notable absence from the team’s dugout throughout the 2026 season. Due to injury concerns, Dhoni did not feature in any matches, and he chose to stay away from the stadium to avoid shifting the limelight away from the younger players. However, Steyn strongly disagrees with this approach, drawing a comparison to Sachin Tendulkar’s enduring presence with the Mumbai Indians.
“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 argued.
The Disappointment of the Fans and Peers
The absence of the veteran keeper-batter was felt deeply not just by the fans, but by his peers as well. AB de Villiers admitted that he, like many others, had been waiting to see Dhoni take the field, only to be left disappointed as the season concluded without him making a single appearance.
“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 shared.
What Lies Ahead for CSK?
The 2026 season marks a significant crossroads for the Chennai Super Kings. As one of the most successful franchises in IPL history, the team now faces the daunting task of rebuilding. Whether Dhoni chooses to heed the advice of legends like Steyn or decides to continue his association with the sport in some capacity remains the biggest question of the off-season. One thing is certain: the conversation surrounding his legacy and his future role within the team will continue to dominate headlines as the cricketing world looks toward the next chapter of the IPL.
