The discussion around MS Dhoni and his IPL future is getting bigger with every passing day. MS Dhoni has not played a single match for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the ongoing IPL 2026 because of a calf injury, leading to massive speculations among the fans and cricket pundits.
The legendary wicketkeeper is still doing his rehab, and he has not yet reportedly attained his full fitness, which is why he has not made himself available for selection for the CSK this season. But several media reports suggested that he will retire from the game on May 18.
MS Dhoni’s future becomes the biggest talking point amid IPL 2026
However, former Australian captain Michael Clarke feels people should stop pushing Dhoni towards retirement. Clarke believes that Dhoni is still very important for Chennai Super Kings and Indian cricket, even if he is not playing every match anymore.
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Dhoni suffered a calf injury during CSK’s pre-season training camp earlier this year and has been recovering since then. He has missed all 10 matches for CSK this season. Over the last couple of seasons, Dhoni’s batting role had also become smaller, as he bats at No.7 or No.8, which led many to feel that the legendary wicketkeeper-batter’s playing career is all but ended.
MS Dhoni is CSK: Michael Clarke
But Clarke feels Dhoni still brings huge value to the team with his wicketkeeping, experience, and presence in the dressing room. Michael Clarke said on the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast, “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 significant in India and CSK. Age should not matter, though. 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.”
Clarke urges Indians not to push Dhoni towards retirement
Another reason Clarke wants fans to enjoy Dhoni’s playing days for longer is that he feels the former India captain will not be associated with the game after retirement.
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The former Australian star added, “When he retires, we probably won’t see him involved in cricket. He certainly won’t commentate. I doubt he will stay on as a mentor with CSK. I can’t imagine him going into coaching. So, I would urge people not to wish him to go out soon and try to keep him involved in the sport.”
Michael Clarke shuts down criticism around MS Dhoni’s batting position
Clarke also said that Dhoni’s role in the CSK team has changed with time, so even if he bats lower down the order or plays a smaller role with the bat, he still remains crucial for the team.
He signed off by saying, “There is also a lot of chat that he has to bat higher up the order. No, he doesn’t. There are a lot of wicketkeepers that are not good enough to bat in the top four. They come in and do a job at No.5, 6, or 7. Dhoni can do that. He doesn’t need a C beside his name to be captain. He can help as a leader and a senior player without being the captain.”
