MS Dhoni told me he won’t play IPL 2027 as an Impact Player: Former CSK teammate
MS Dhoni has told former Chennai Super Kings batsman Subramaniam Badrinath that he has no plans to use the Impact Player rule, adding another layer to the uncertainty over his IPL future. The rule could have given Dhoni an option to prolong his playing career by reducing the workload. However, the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman seems keen to continue keeping wickets for the full 20 overs if he decides to play in IPL 2027.
Badrinath, meanwhile, feels that the Impact Player option could be particularly beneficial for Dhoni at this stage of his career. With his role as a batsman becoming more limited and the wicket placing significant physical demands on him, the former CSK player feels that a lighter workload could help Dhoni contribute.
“He told me personally 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 will be tactically beneficial for CSK.”
“His body doesn’t last long, as Fleming said. He only bats after the 16th over and keeps wickets. When his participation is so less, he would be ideal as an Impact Player,” Badrinath said on his YouTube channel.
The 45-year-old has been dealing with fitness issues for the past few seasons, making his IPL future increasingly uncertain. Badrinath believes the Impact Player rule could allow CSK to retain Dhoni’s experience and finishing skills without putting as much strain on his body.
However, Dhoni’s reported preference is to stay behind the stumps rather than becoming a specialist Impact Player. This leaves CSK waiting for clarity on whether their legendary former captain will return for the next IPL season. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan said this recently Dhoni did not tell them that he will not play IPL 2027.
Dhoni, a five-time IPL-winning captain, stepped down as CSK captain ahead of the 2024 season. Since then, his involvement with the bat has been more limited, further fueling questions about how long he intends to continue playing.
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Published on:
03 Sep 2026 20:26 IST