MS Dhoni told former Chennai Super Kings batter Subramaniam Badrinath that he has no plans to use the Impact Player rule, adding another layer to the uncertainty over his IPL future. The rule could have provided Dhoni with an option to extend his playing career by taking on a reduced workload. However, the veteran wicketkeeper-batter appears keen to continue keeping wickets for the full 20 overs if he decides to play in IPL 2027.Badrinath, meanwhile, believes the Impact Player option could be particularly beneficial for Dhoni at this stage of his career.
With his batting role becoming more limited and wicketkeeping placing considerable physical demands on him, the former CSK player feels a reduced workload could help Dhoni continue contributing.”He has personally told me that he won’t play as an Impact Player. He sees himself as a full-time keeper, and that means he has to be on the field for the full 20 overs. So he won’t play as an Impact Player, but I feel if he does, it’ll tactically benefit CSK.””His body cannot withstand long durations, which even Fleming has said.
He is only going to bat after the 16th over and keep wickets. When his participation is so less, he would be ideal as an Impact Player,” Badrinath said on his YouTube channel.The 45-year-old has dealt with fitness issues over the past few seasons, leaving his IPL future increasingly uncertain. Badrinath feels the Impact Player rule could allow CSK to retain Dhoni’s experience and finishing skills without placing as much strain on his body.Dhoni’s reported preference, however, is to remain behind the stumps rather than become a specialist Impact Player.
That leaves CSK waiting for clarity on whether their legendary former captain will return for another IPL season. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan recently said that Dhoni hasn’t told them that he won’t play IPL 2027.A five-time IPL-winning captain, Dhoni relinquished the CSK captaincy before the 2024 season. Since then, his involvement with the bat has been more limited, further fuelling questions about how long he intends to continue playing.- EndsPublished By: alan johnPublished On: Sep 3, 2026 20:26 IST
Source: www.bing.com
