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Former South African fast bowler Dale Steyn believes it is time for MS Dhoni to put his bat and pads in the locker as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) conclude their IPL 2026 journey at 8 pm.th Location of marks table.
Despite claiming several wins in the middle stage of the tournament, CSK managed to finish their run in the current season with only 12 points from 14 matches. For the 5-time IPL winners, this is their third consecutive season during which they have failed to make the playoffs.
MS Dhoni, you need to end that career now: Dale Steyn
Dale Steyn was recently a guest in conversation with another great South African cricketer, AB de Villiers, on his YouTube channel. During the discussion, the former seamer said that MS Dhoni should now consider announcing his retirement from the league.
“I don’t know, but I think Dhoni, you need to end that career now. He has been an amazing player, but the main focus needs to be on other people now,” the 42-year-old said.
Former fast bowler disagrees with Dhoni’s decision
Steyn also commented on Dhoni’s absence during the match. Due to multiple injuries, the iconic keeper-batsman did not feature in a single match for CSK in the 2026 Indian Premier League. He was also absent in the dug-out.
It was earlier reported that MS Dhoni chose not to sit in the dug-out as he did not want the limelight to fall on him. It was his way to give more priority to emerging cricketers. Dale Steyn was not in tune with the thought process. He talked about the great Sachin Tendulkar, who used to come to the field to support Mumbai Indians in every match.
“MS hasn’t come to a single match. You know, he said he doesn’t like coming to games because he doesn’t want to make the game about himself. But I’m sorry, even now, when you think of the yellow jersey, you think of MS Dhoni. I mean, Sachin still comes to every MI game. He’s there. With MS being there, I have to disagree. I think having MS on the field will definitely help and the dressing room. The sentiment will increase,” Steyn said.
AB de Villiers is also disappointed
AB de Villiers also expressed his disappointment as he too was waiting to see MS Dhoni in action. But that did not happen. Like many CSK and MSD fans, this was a heartbreaking example for the former South African batsman too.
AB de Villiers mentioned in the same video, “I was calling him just because maybe he would be there. Just extend your hand to the wicket-keeper. People would love to put you on the park bench at seven o’clock and play every single game. That never happened. So, every single game everyone was discussing whether MSD is going to play the next game. Is he going to play the next game? And boom, now it’s the end of the tournament. He never played.”
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