Chennai fielded MS Dhoni as an impact player, former New Zealand player gave special advice to CSK management

Mitchell McClenaghan on MS Dhoni: The 22nd match of IPL 2026 will be played between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Tuesday evening at Chepauk Stadium. Whether former captain MS Dhoni will play in the match between CSK and KKR remains a big question. However, if Dhoni plays, then what will be his role in the team, discussions are still going on.

Former New Zealand player Mitchell McClenaghan, who was included in the Geostar expert panel, said about Dhoni that if he is fit then CSK should bring him as an impact player. If the team management feels that they need some runs from him, especially when they are chasing, then bringing him in as an impact sub would make the best use of his batting ability.

MS Dhoni should be used as an impact player

The former New Zealand fast bowler said, ‘Playing as an impact player will mean that he may not have to run much. He can just come in, hit the ball into the stands and be a finisher. His aggressive batting ability will come in handy when Chennai is chasing big scores. I think this is a good way to bring Dhoni into rhythm. His presence will give a lot of strength to CSK’s lower order batting.”

MS Dhoni has not played any matches this season

44 year old MS Dhoni has not been able to play a single match in IPL 2026. He has been struggling with a calf injury since before the start of the season. MS Dhoni is not sure to play against KKR. CSK management does not want to take any risk with him, but it is certain that his playing will bring positive changes in the team’s leadership and batting.

Also read: IPL 2026 Points Table: Sunrisers Hyderabad took a huge leap, the mathematics of the points table became interesting; Know who is the top-4

This has been the journey of CSK and KKR so far

If we talk about the performance of CSK and KKR in IPL 2026, then the performance of both the teams has been ordinary. After three consecutive defeats, CSK registered its first win by defeating Delhi Capitals in its last match played in Chepauk. KKR is waiting for its first win. KKR has 1 point from 4 matches and the team is at the bottom of the points table (tenth position). The match between KKR and Punjab Kings was canceled due to rain, due to which both the teams got 1-1 points. KKR will try to win their first match of the season against CSK at their home ground.