New Delhi: Once again big news has come out regarding Mahendra Singh Dhoni's IPL future. According to former Chennai Super Kings batsman Subramaniam Badrinath, Dhoni has clearly said that if he plays IPL in the future, he will not play the role of Impact Player. Instead of coming just to bat, Mahi wants to stay on the field as a wicketkeeper for the entire match.
What did Dhoni say to Badrinath?
Badrinath told on his YouTube channel that Dhoni had told him in a personal conversation that playing as an Impact Player is not acceptable to him. If he plays, he will play as a full time wicketkeeper and will keep for 20 overs.
The rule of Impact Player was considered very beneficial for 45 year old Dhoni. Due to his increasing age and knee problems, he could escape the burden of keeping and play as a finisher only in the last overs. But Dhoni's thinking is different from this. He doesn't see himself as just a batsman.
CSK will benefit if he becomes an impact player
Badrinath believes that in the current situation the role of Impact Player would have been best for Dhoni. He said that staying on the field for a long time affects Dhoni's body and coach Stephen Fleming has also mentioned this.
Dhoni now usually comes to bat around the 18th-19th over. In such a situation, his use as an impact player could have been very strategically beneficial for CSK. This would provide the team with their experience and finishing touch and also reduce the load on the body. But Dhoni is not ready for this agreement.
Then how will Mahi play in 2027?
This is the biggest question regarding 2027 IPL. If Mahi does not want to be an impact player and wants to keep the full 20 overs, then fitness will become the most important factor.
Dhoni left the captaincy of CSK before the 2024 season and after that his batting role has also been limited. Yet his ability to finish matches under pressure is still invaluable to the team. Dhoni has given 5 IPL titles to CSK.
Now the question is no longer about Impact Player, Dhoni has made his stand clear on it. The real question is whether his body will allow him to remain on the field as a wicketkeeper for another full season. This will decide whether Mahi will be seen in the yellow jersey once again in 2027 or not.