Matthew Hayden suggested MS Dhoni should retire and take up commentary after CSK’s third consecutive IPL 2025 loss.
Former Australia opener and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) star Matthew Hayden has strongly voiced his opinion on MS Dhoni’s future in cricket following CSK’s third straight loss in IPL 2025. Speaking after Chennai’s 25-run defeat against Delhi Capitals, Hayden said Dhoni should now consider retirement and move into commentary, stating that the legendary cricketer “has lost the cricket.”
“Dhoni should join us in our commentary box after this game. He has lost the cricket. It’s over for him. He should accept this fact before it’s too late for CSK,” Hayden said. Dhoni’s batting form has been underwhelming this season. His scores in the current campaign read 0*, 30*, 16, and 30*, with his latest knock of 30 runs coming off 26 balls against Delhi Capitals at Chepauk.
The decision to send Dhoni at No. 9 in earlier matches had drawn criticism. On Saturday, he came in at No. 7 but still struggled to shift gears, managing a run-a-ball innings on a slow pitch. Adding to the retirement speculation, Dhoni’s parents, Pan Singh and Devaki Devi, were spotted at Chepauk for the game against Delhi — a rare appearance that fans interpreted as a possible sign that a farewell could be near.
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However, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming dismissed retirement talks in the post-match press conference. “No, that’s not my role to put an end to it. I have no idea. I’m just enjoying working with him. He’s still going strong. I don’t even ask these days. You guys are the ones that ask (about retirement),” Fleming said.
Explaining Dhoni’s early arrival at the crease in the 11th over, Fleming said it wasn’t a move to limit damage but rather a response to the pitch conditions, which had started to turn challenging for batters. “The intent was there. When he went out, I think the ball started to grip a little bit more. We understood it was going to be good for the first half and then gradually get slower,” he said.
“They did it well. Vijay Shankar struggled to get the timings through his innings. But that period from 12 to 16 overs was difficult for all. It was tough to watch and certainly tough to be out there,” Fleming added.
