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MS Dhoni IPL Retirement: Former Australian Captain Warns CSK Fans

Ronav Bailey · 07/05/2026 · 2 min read

MS Dhoni IPL Retirement: A Warning to CSK Fans

As the IPL 2026 season progresses, fans of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are growing increasingly desperate to see their beloved team captain, MS Dhoni, back in action. However, some fans have taken their desires to the extreme, wishing for Dhoni’s retirement from the IPL.

A Legendary Career

Dhoni, now 44, has been an integral part of CSK since the IPL’s inception in 2008. He has led the team to five IPL titles and has been a driving force behind their success. Former Australian captain Michael Clarke, who won the ODI World Cup in 2015, recently spoke about Dhoni’s importance to CSK.

Clarke’s Thoughts on Dhoni

“MS Dhoni is CSK. If you go watch a CSK game, everyone has the No. 7 yellow jersey on. In terms of sponsors coming to the team, every sponsor would want MS Dhoni to be part of that team. He is that significant in India and CSK,” Clarke said on the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast.

Clarke also emphasized that Dhoni’s age should not be a factor in his decision to retire. “No one can convince me that there is a better keeper than MS Dhoni. He’s still the best wicketkeeper in T20s. He is also one of a kind. So people need to be careful in wishing him to retire,” he added.

Dhoni’s Current Status

Dhoni was initially expected to be available for CSK at the start of the IPL 2026 season. However, a calf injury suffered just before the season began ruled him out of the first half of the tournament. Unfortunately, the injury has worsened over time, and Dhoni has not been traveling with the CSK squad.

Is Retirement on the Cards?

Practically speaking, it may be time for Dhoni to retire from all forms of cricket. He has already retired from playing for India, and his body may not be able to withstand the demands of the game. However, Clarke doubts that Dhoni will stay involved in cricket after his retirement, whether as a commentator, mentor, or coach.

As the IPL 2026 season continues, CSK fans will be eagerly waiting to see if Dhoni will return to the field. While some may wish for his retirement, it is essential to remember the significant contributions he has made to the team and the sport as a whole.

Ronav Bailey

Ronav Bailey is a senior cricket correspondent with The Hindu, covering Indian cricket and international tournaments for over 15 years. Known for his incisive match reports, long-form features on cricketing culture, and data-driven analysis, he has reported from three ICC Cricket World Cups and multiple IPL seasons. A regular voice on cricket podcasts and television panels, Bailey brings a nuanced understanding of South Asian cricket politics, player development, and the shifting dynamics between traditional formats and T20 leagues. A Chennai-based journalist, he is also the author of Cover Drives and Carrom Balls: The Changing Face of Indian Cricket. His writing blends sharp observation with a deep respect for the game's subcontinental roots.