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Mumbai Indians’ three-time Indian Premier League (IPL) title-winning pacer Mitchell McClenaghan wants Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to use their former skipper MS Dhoni as an impact player against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). While Dhoni has always intended to don the gloves, he is yet to regain full fitness and play a match in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. McCleneghan feels that Dhoni should be expected to provide the much-needed boost towards the end if need be, playing the role of a finisher and strengthen the CSK middle order.
“If MS Dhoni is fit, then CSK should bring him in as the impact player. If the team management feels they need a short burst of runs from him, especially when they are chasing, then bringing him in as the impact sub will allow them to make the best use of his batting abilities,” McClenaghan said on Star Sports.
“Playing as an impact player will mean he may not have to do a lot of running. He can just come in, smack the ball into the stands and do his job of finishing in style. His aggressive stroke-making ability will come in handy for Chennai when they are chasing big scores. I think that is a good way to get Dhoni back into the groove. His presence will really give a lot of strength to the lower middle order of CSK.”
So far, Dhoni hasn’t played as an impact player. Earlier this season, CSK had confirmed that the 44-year-old won’t play for two weeks. His return to the side is awaited.
Unchanged team expected for KKR clash
Meanwhile, CSK managed to get their first points after three consecutive losses. CSK beat Delhi Capitals (DC) at home as Sanju Samson scored the maiden century in yellow and Jamie Overton bagged a four-wicket haul. Samson has been fulfilling the wicketkeeping duties in Dhoni’s absence. CSK are likely to retain the winning combination. Their middle order was boosted by Dewald Brevis who is yet to bat as CSK lost just one wicket in the previous game and had to retire out Ayush Mhatre.
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