‘He won’t play as impact player’ - Former CSK star makes massive claim on MS Dhoni amid Sanju Samson trade reports
“MS Dhoni definitely won’t play as an impact player. I don’t think MS Dhoni will play as an impact player. If he plays, he will feature as a keeper," said Badrinath.
Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) cricketer Subramaniam Badrinath firmly believes that, regardless of any trade developments, MS Dhoni will continue to feature in the starting XI and not be used as an impact substitute. Reports have suggested that Sanju Samson could be traded to the five-time champions ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season.
Samson, who captained Rajasthan Royals (RR) in IPL 2025, is reportedly part of a potential trade deal involving CSK all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran, with the negotiations influenced by the players’ high price tags.
“MS Dhoni definitely won’t play as an impact player. I don’t think MS Dhoni will play as an impact player. If he plays, he will feature as a keeper. The main reason for Dhoni playing is he needs to be out there at the Chepauk. As an impact player, he might come out to bat only in the final two overs. We don’t know if he comes out to bat in that case,” said Badrinath on Star Sports.
“I don’t think that’s going to happen, that’s my observation, knowing CSK and Dhoni. He might not even play the full season but he will be there as a wicketkeeper, not sure as captain. But he will definitely be a keeper on the field. He said he will be on the field to play. It will not happen that Dhoni is off the field and leaves someone like Sanju Samson to keep wickets. He will take this decision and speak to Sanju Samson,” he added.
Badrinath further stated that despite Ruturaj Gaikwad officially leading CSK, Dhoni continues to hold significant influence over the team’s on-field decisions. Following a disappointing IPL 2025 campaign that saw CSK finish at the bottom of the table, the team is expected to rebuild strongly. With the proposed trades and the upcoming mini-auction, the Chennai-based franchise will aim to assemble a balanced and competitive squad to bounce back in IPL 2026.
“That’s my understanding, I don’t think MS Dhoni is going to be an impact player at all. Either he is going to play or call it, ‘I’m done’. Look at these visuals, this is MS Dhoni, this is the value he carries, those small adjustments, some conversation with the bowlers. Even though Ruturaj Gaikwad is the captain, he still has some control over the proceedings. That’s where his value is,” said Badrinath.
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