Dhoni, who led CSK to five IPL titles, stepped down from captaincy before the 2024 season.
New Delhi. Former Indian captain and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni has made it clear that he does not want to play as an impact player in the Indian Premier League (IPL), adding another new twist to the uncertainty surrounding his participation in the 2027 tournament. Former CSK batsman Subramaniam Badrinath revealed this.
The experienced wicketkeeper batsman could have furthered his career in the IPL by reducing his workload under the Impact Player rule but he has made it clear that if he continues playing, he wants to remain a full-time wicketkeeper.
Badrinath believes that the role of impact player may be suitable for 45-year-old Dhoni at this stage of his career, as keeping wickets for 20 overs will not be easy considering his advancing age.
Badrinath said on his YouTube channel, “He told me that he will not play as an impact player. He considers himself a full-time wicketkeeper, which means he has to stay on the field for the full 20 overs. So he will not play as an impact player, but I think if he plays as an impact player, it will give strategic advantage to CSK.
“It will be difficult for him to play for a long time as (former CSK head coach Stephen) Fleming has also said. He will bat and do wicketkeeping only after the 16th over. Playing as an impact player would be an ideal situation for him when his participation is so low.
Dhoni has been struggling with fitness problems in the last few seasons and there is speculation about his future in the IPL. Badrinath believes that the impact player rule can reduce the workload on Dhoni. With this, CSK can take advantage of his experience and his role as a 'finisher'.
Dhoni's preference to continue playing as a wicketkeeper means CSK may have to wait to decide on his participation in the IPL next year. Dhoni, who led CSK to five IPL titles, stepped down from the captaincy ahead of the 2024 season and since then his role as a batsman has also been limited.