Subramniam Badrinath predicts Sanju Samson to play as Impact player after MS Dhoni's return vs MI

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will lock horns with their arch rival Mumbai Indians (MI) in their upcoming IPL 2026 clash at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, April 22. It has been speculated that MS Dhoni might finally make his maiden appearance of the season.

Sanju Samson to play as an Impact player vs MI?

With Dhoni's arrival in the line-up, certain combinations will be changed because he will be the one to keep wickets. Until now, CSK's newly signed Sanju Samson was assigned with the wicketkeeping duties. According to former CSK batter Subramaniam Badrinath, the Yellow Army could use Sanju as an Impact Sub and Dhoni will replace injured Ayush Mhatre in the clash against MI.

Considering the fact that Dhoni bats down in the order for only 10-20 deliveries, using him as an Impact sub would be a good option. But, Badrinath believes that Dhoni would not take that role because of his wicket keeping duties.

On his official YouTube Channel, Badrinath explored a possibility to use Sanju Samson as an Impact sub while Dhoni will continue with the wicketkeeping duties to find the proper balance in the line-up without changing too much.

"There will be a discussion of replacing Ayush Mhatre, even with MS Dhoni. But Mhatre played as an Impact Sub. So if Dhoni comes, he'll keep wickets. Who will be the Impact Sub in that case? Will Sanju Samson be the Impact Sub? Several questions like this will arise. It has me thinking if this is the right time to bring MS Dhoni in for Ayush Mhatre and use Samson as the Impact Sub."

However, Badrinath considered the fact that MS Dhoni travelled to Hyderabad but didn't play against SRH saying uncertainty remains on the former India's captain's participation in the game.

"Questions continue to linger over his return. When he travelled to Hyderabad, everyone thought he would play against SRH. There were a lot of build-up posts on MS Dhoni. And in the end, he didn't even come to the ground. The uncertainty over his remains has been a big deal with CSK," added Badrinath.

Timely boost for CSK ahead of MI clash

Ahead of their clash against Mumbai Indians (MI) on April 23 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Australian fast-bowler Spencer Johnson has joined the squad as Nathan Ellis' injury replacement.

The left-arm pacer missed CSK's first games because of a back injury and was working to achieve full fitness. Now Johnson himself confirmed his arrival in Chennai with an Instagram story from his official handle, as he visited 7Padel which is owned by former India captain MS Dhoni.

The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side will aim to capitalize on Spencer Johnson's abilities by including him in the playing line-up against Mumbai Indians. The left-arm pacer could be useful in Mumbai's bouncy track and if everything goes well then he could be a big asset for CSK in the IPL 2026.