Subramaniam Badrinath, who was a former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) player, believes that despite changes in trade, MS Dhoni will remain a starting player rather than an impact player. Sanju Samson might be transferred to the five time champions before the 2026 Indian premier league (IPL) season according to reports.
Sanju Samson, the captain of the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the IPL 2025, is said to have a potential transfer deal with CSK all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran, with the costly rates of the players affecting the deal.
“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.”
Subramaniam Badrinath
Badrinath further noted that, despite Ruturaj Gaikwad’s official leadership of CSK, MS Dhoni continues to have a considerable effect on the team’s on-field decisions. Following a dismal IPL 2025 campaign in which CSK finished at the bottom of the table, the squad is anticipated to rebuild significantly. With the suggested deals and the next mini-auction, the Chennai franchise hopes to rebuild a balanced and competitive squad for the IPL 2026 season.
“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.
