“Need to cut that career now”: Legendary cricketer asks MS Dhoni to retire immed

A Call for Change in Chennai

The conclusion of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season has left many Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fans reflecting on a difficult journey. Finishing 8th in the points table, the five-time champions struggled to find consistency throughout the tournament. Despite a promising mid-season surge, the team concluded their campaign with only 12 points from 14 matches, marking their third consecutive season without a playoff appearance. Amidst the disappointment, the spotlight has shifted toward the future of their talisman, MS Dhoni.

Dale Steyn’s Direct Assessment

In a candid discussion on AB de Villiers’ YouTube channel, legendary South African pacer Dale Steyn did not mince his words. Addressing the situation, Steyn remarked, “Need to cut that career now”: Legendary cricketer asks MS Dhoni to retire immed. The 42-year-old former seamer acknowledged Dhoni’s legendary status but argued that the focus of the franchise must now shift to the next generation of talent.

“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 opined during the exchange. His comments highlight a growing sentiment among some cricket analysts that the transition phase for CSK has become overdue.

The Question of Presence and Mentorship

Beyond his playing status, Dhoni’s physical absence from the team’s dug-out throughout the 2026 season also came under scrutiny. While it was reported that Dhoni chose to step back to avoid shifting the limelight away from emerging players, Steyn questioned the effectiveness of this approach. Drawing a comparison to Sachin Tendulkar’s active role with the Mumbai Indians, Steyn emphasized the value of a mentor’s presence.

“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.

Disappointment Among Peers

AB de Villiers, sharing the screen with Steyn, echoed the sentiment of many fans who had hoped to see the iconic keeper-batter return to the field one last time. The former South African captain expressed his own heartbreak over the situation, noting that the entire tournament was characterized by the recurring question of whether Dhoni would make an 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,” de Villiers explained. “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.”

What Lies Ahead for CSK?

The 2026 season serves as a stark reminder of the challenges inherent in building a post-Dhoni era. With the franchise having missed the playoffs for three straight years, the pressure to restructure and find a new identity is mounting. Whether the management decides to heed the advice of critics like Steyn or continues to hold out hope for a final return, one thing remains clear: the legacy of MS Dhoni remains tied to the success and culture of the Chennai Super Kings. As the dust settles on another IPL season, the cricketing world waits to see if the legendary figure will make a definitive announcement regarding his future in the game.