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Ex-Australia skipper Michael Clarke has lauded MS Dhoni amid growing concerns regarding the Chennai Super Kings legend' future in IPL 2026.

The legendary Indian keeper hasn't featured in a single game this season due to a knee injury and although he was earlier thought to be out for the opening games the injury is reportedly worsening with a slight turn of events and the management not wanting to take risk with their talisman. His absence has been disappointing for the fans and supporters of the franchise who still turn up in massive numbers in the iconic #7 jersey at every Chennai Super Kings game.

With every game speculation over Dhoni's future has only been increasing with fans and critics pointing fingers and hinting that IPL 2026 may be the final season for the former India captain especially when combined with his constant injuries and his age.

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Speaking on the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast, Clarke felt that the importance of MS Dhoni towards CSK and the sport in India cannot be described just by the amount of runs he scores on the cricket field.

Clarke mentioned on the 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 that 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 is still the best keeper in T20s. He is also one of a kind. So people need to be careful in wishing him to retire." 

He also touched upon Dhoni's post-retirement life and predicted that former India captain won't be in the cricket fraternity much longer after he retires.

'We Probably Won't See Him Involved In Cricket'

Clarke strongly believes Dhoni would not pursue coaching, commentary or long-term mentorship roles post-retirement and that's why his presence in the IPL is quite special.

He Concluded:

"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,"

For now fans wait for an official update regarding Dhoni's recovery from Chennai Super Kings with the team still battling in IPL 2026.