MS Dhoni’s IPL future remains uncertain after the legendary wicketkeeper-batter missed the entire 2026 season due to a knee injury. With questions surrounding his possible return for IPL 2027, former Chennai Super Kings batter Subramaniam Badrinath has revealed that Dhoni has ruled out one possible route back into the tournament — the Impact Player role.
According to Badrinath, Dhoni has personally told him that he does not want to play as an Impact Player. The former India captain instead sees himself as a full-time wicketkeeper, meaning he would need to remain on the field for the full 20 overs.
Why has Dhoni rejected the Impact Player option?
Badrinath believes the Impact Player rule could actually benefit CSK if Dhoni were willing to use it. He argued that the role would reduce the physical demands on the 45-year-old, particularly given the workload involved in keeping wickets for an entire innings.
“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,” Badrinath said on his YouTube channel.
The former CSK batter added that Dhoni’s limited involvement with the bat could make him an ideal candidate for the Impact Player role. He pointed out that Dhoni generally bats late in the innings and suggested that reduced time on the field could help manage the physical demands of his advancing age.
Dhoni missed IPL 2026
Dhoni did not play a single match in IPL 2026 after being sidelined with a knee injury. His absence further intensified speculation about whether he will return for another season.
The wicketkeeper-batter has scored 5,439 runs in 278 IPL matches, including 24 fifties, at a strike rate of 137.45. He has also captained CSK to five IPL titles.
While there has been continued speculation over his retirement, Dhoni’s decision on his IPL future remains awaited.
Badrinath defends Impact Player rule
Badrinath also defended the Impact Player rule while discussing CSK’s use of all-rounder Shivam Dube.
He argued that Dube’s limited bowling opportunities for CSK should not be blamed on the Impact Player rule. According to Badrinath, the issue was instead related to how the franchise’s management chose to use the all-rounder.
“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,” he said.
For now, the bigger question remains whether Dhoni will return for IPL 2027 — and if he does, whether he will continue in his preferred role as a full-time wicketkeeper.
