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MS Dhoni has no plans to use the Impact Player rule if he returns to the Indian Premier League in 2027, according to former Chennai Super Kings batter Subramaniam Badrinath.
Dhoni’s IPL future remains uncertain, but if he does continue playing, he wants to do so as a full-time wicketkeeper rather than coming into the game only as an Impact Player.
The Impact Player rule could have helped Dhoni manage his workload, especially given the fitness issues he has faced in recent seasons. However, Badrinath revealed that the former India captain has already made his preference clear.
“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. So he won’t play as an Impact Player, but I feel if he does, it’ll tactically benefit CSK.
“His body cannot withstand long durations, which even Fleming has said. He is only going to bat after the 16th over and keep wickets. When his participation is so less, he would be ideal as an Impact Player,” Badrinath said on his YouTube channel.
Badrinath believes the Impact Player option could actually work well for Dhoni at this stage of his career. The 45-year-old has had a reduced role with the bat in recent IPL seasons, while keeping for the entire 20 overs can also put considerable pressure on his body.
Under the Impact Player rule, Dhoni could potentially avoid spending the full innings on the field while still giving CSK his experience and ability to finish games with the bat.
However, that does not appear to be the route Dhoni wants to take. His decision to remain a full-time wicketkeeper means CSK will have to wait for clarity on whether he is ready to play another IPL season.
Dhoni remains one of the most successful captains in IPL history, having guided CSK to five titles. He gave up the captaincy before the 2024 season and has since taken on a smaller role with the bat.
With his fitness continuing to be a concern, the question of whether Dhoni will return for IPL 2027 is likely to remain one of the biggest talking points around CSK.