Cricket fans were left disappointed after MS Dhoni didn’t play in the IPL 2026. The 45-year-old suffered a spate of injuries. There has been widespread speculation about the former Chennai Super Kings captain’s future as a player. Former India player Subramaniam Badrinath made a massive statement on Dhoni.
Badrinath, speaking on his YouTube channel, said, “Dhoni has personally told me that he will not play as an impact player. He is seeing himself as a full-time wicketkeeper-batter, which means he has to be on the field for 20 overs. Personally, if MS does play as an impact player, it could help Chennai.”
Meanwhile, the rule has been under the scanner with a few players raising their voice against it. The 45-year-old gave the example of Shivam Dubey not bowling in the league as much as the player does for the national side. Badrinath defended the Impact player rule and said: “Dube is bowling for India but not for CSK. It isn’t because of the rule. It has to do with the team management and their lack of confidence in the player with the ball.”
Ruturaj Gaikwad breaks silence on next CSK coach
The five-time champions, meanwhile, aren’t in a hurry to look for a new coach after Stephen Fleming’s exit. The team has failed to make it to the playoffs for the last three seasons, and Ruturaj Gaikwad saw his side finish just above the bottom two spots in the points table last campaign.
CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad was recently asked about Chennai’s new coach, to which he said that the management is in the process and there will be a new coach at the helm before the start of next season.
When he was asked about taking over the captaincy from the legendary former Indian skipper, Gaikwad said it was a huge responsibility. He also added that the role brings about massive expectations.
Just a few days ago, the team’s CEO had dismissed reports of any rift between the franchise and MSD after reports of the cricketer seeking a 25% stake came to light. Kasi Viswanathan called the reports baseless while speaking to PTI.