Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni has not yet taken the field in IPL 2026 due to an injury, prompting speculation about his retirement. Michael Clarke, the captain of Australia's 2015 World Cup-winning team, defended Dhoni's value, stating, "MS Dhoni is CSK," highlighting that fans universally support him by wearing his No. 7 jersey. Clarke praised Dhoni as the best wicketkeeper in T20 cricket and expressed concern that wishing for Dhoni's retirement is misguided. He noted that Dhoni's presence is vital for sponsors and the team, and once he retires, he may not remain involved in cricket, which would be a significant loss. Clarke compared the situation to the absence of Virat Kohli in Test cricket, emphasizing that both players are irreplaceable. He believes that while Dhoni's responsibilities may change with age, his skills still warrant a place in any IPL team.