Archive · 3 Sep 2026
Badrinath Says Dhoni Rejects Impact Player Role
MS Dhoni’s future with Chennai Super Kings is uncertain.
Reports and discussion have focused on whether he will play in the next IPL season.
S Badrinath said Dhoni told him that he would not play as an Impact Player.
Dhoni reportedly wants to be a wicketkeeper who stays on the field for the whole 20-over innings.
Badrinath thinks this could be difficult for Dhoni’s body.
He said Dhoni may bat only after the 16th over, making the Impact Player role useful.
Dhoni did not feature for CSK in IPL 2026 in one report because of an injury.
Sanju Samson’s arrival gives CSK a possible replacement if Dhoni retires.
S Badrinath said MS Dhoni personally told him he would not play as an Impact Player.
Dhoni reportedly prefers to remain a full-time wicketkeeper on the field for all 20 overs.
Badrinath said Dhoni’s body may not withstand long periods of 20-over cricket.
Badrinath believes using Dhoni as an Impact Player could benefit Chennai Super Kings tactically.
Dhoni’s IPL future remains uncertain, while Sanju Samson is viewed as a possible CSK replacement.
- Who
- MS Dhoni, S Badrinath, Chennai Super Kings, and Sanju Samson.
- What
- Badrinath said Dhoni does not want to play as an Impact Player and prefers to remain a full-time wicketkeeper.
- When
- The discussion concerns the 2026 IPL season and Dhoni’s possible participation in IPL 2027.
- Where
- Badrinath made the comments on his YouTube channel.
- Why
- Dhoni reportedly wants to keep wickets for the full 20 overs, while Badrinath believes an Impact Player role could reduce his workload and help CSK tactically.
Dhoni’s reported preference
Badrinath’s tactical argument
Playing role
Dhoni’s reported preference
Dhoni reportedly told Badrinath that he would not play as an Impact Player and sees himself as a full-time wicketkeeper.
Badrinath’s tactical argument
Badrinath believes using Dhoni as an Impact Player could provide Chennai Super Kings with a tactical benefit.
Time on the field
Dhoni’s reported preference
Dhoni’s preferred role requires him to remain on the field for the entire 20-over innings.
Badrinath’s tactical argument
Badrinath said Dhoni’s body may not withstand long durations and that his limited batting involvement could make the Impact Player role suitable.
Future with CSK
Dhoni’s reported preference
Dhoni’s reported preference suggests he may continue only if he can play as a regular wicketkeeper.
Badrinath’s tactical argument
CSK may have a ready-made replacement in Sanju Samson if Dhoni decides to retire.
- Player discussed
- MS Dhoni
- Team
- Chennai Super Kings
- Reported preference
- Dhoni told Badrinath he would not play as an Impact Player.
- Preferred role
- Full-time wicketkeeper on the field for all 20 overs.
- Physical concern
- Badrinath said Dhoni’s body may not withstand long periods of 20-over cricket.
- Batting expectation
- Badrinath said Dhoni is expected to bat after the 16th over.
- Potential replacement
- Sanju Samson joined CSK and was described as a possible replacement if Dhoni retires.
- Retirement context
- Dhoni’s IPL retirement and possible IPL 2027 participation remain subjects of debate.
