During the 2026 season of the Indian Premier League, the Chennai Super Kings faced a significant question regarding the future involvement of MS Dhoni. Speculation surrounded whether he would participate in the tournament and, if so, whether he would assume the role of an impact substitute or serve as a regular player, particularly after CSK’s unsuccessful bid to reach the playoffs in the previous season. A former player associated with the team disclosed that Dhoni has expressed his intention not to take on the impact player role.
“He has explicitly mentioned to me that he does not wish to play as an Impact Player. Dhoni envisions himself as a full-time wicketkeeper, which necessitates his presence on the field for the entirety of the 20 overs. Consequently, he will not participate as an Impact Player, though I believe that if he did, it could provide a tactical advantage for CSK. However, his physical condition may not permit him to endure extended periods on the field, as noted by Fleming. Dhoni is likely to bat only after the 16th over and will manage wicketkeeping duties. Given his limited involvement, he could be perfectly suited for the role of an Impact Player,” Badrinath stated on his YouTube channel.
Badrinath also raised concerns about the impact player concept, suggesting it limited Shivam Dube’s ability to bowl throughout the season.
“Shivam Dube’s absence from bowling for CSK, despite representing India, is not solely attributable to the Impact Player regulation. It stems from the management’s decisions regarding Dube’s utilization as a bowler. Why is he being assigned the role of an Impact Player? The rule itself should not bear the blame,” Badrinath remarked.
Furthermore, he advocated for Akeal Hosein to be included in the starting XI rather than relegated to the role of an impact substitute.
“Akeal Hosein should undoubtedly be a part of the playing eleven. Instead, CSK uses him as an Impact Player, and when their batting underperforms, they opt for an additional batsman in that role. As a result, Hosein often does not get to play. This approach is misguided. It’s unfair to attribute failures to the rule when it reflects poor decision-making,” he concluded.
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