New Delhi, September 3, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Former Chennai Super Kings batter S. Badrinath has revealed that MS Dhoni has no intention of taking the field as an Impact Player, saying the former India captain prefers to continue playing as a full-time wicketkeeper.
Dhoni’s future and role have become key talking points for CSK after the five-time IPL champions once again failed to qualify for the playoffs. With concerns over Dhoni’s workload and fitness, Badrinath suggested that using him selectively could give the franchise a tactical advantage. However, he said Dhoni himself has made his preference clear.
“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,” Badrinath said on his YouTube channel.
Badrinath also pointed to the physical demands on the veteran wicketkeeper, saying Dhoni’s body may not be able to withstand prolonged periods on the field.
“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,” he added.
The former CSK batter also rejected the argument that the Impact Player rule was responsible for Shivam Dube not bowling regularly for the franchise. He said the issue was more about CSK’s management and its use of Dube.
“Shivam Dube bowling for India but not for CSK is not because of the Impact Player rule. It has to do with the CSK management and their lack of usage of Dube with the ball. Why are they using him as an Impact Player? The rule cannot be blamed,” Badrinath said.
He also criticised CSK’s handling of West Indies spinner Akeal Hosein, arguing that he should be a certainty in the playing XI rather than being used as an Impact Player.
Badrinath’s comments highlight three major selection questions for CSK ahead of the next IPL season: Dhoni’s workload, Dube’s bowling role and the utilisation of overseas players.
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