Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fans can look forward to seeing their legendary figure, MS Dhoni, return for the IPL 2026 season, with his participation officially confirmed by the franchise. Despite the confirmation that Dhoni will be taking the field, speculation remains about the exact nature of his role for the five-time champions. The key question hovering over his return is whether the veteran will play as a full-time member of the playing XI or transition into the capacity of an 'Impact Player'.
MS Dhoni to feature as an impact player in IPL 2026?
However, Dhoni's former CSK teammate Subramaniam Badrinath feels that the legendary wicketkeeper-batter won't play as an impact player, and would want to give his full presence on the field as IPL 2026 could be his swansong.
Notably, IPL trade window is currently witnessing discussions for a massive swap deal that would see India's wicketkeeper-batter and Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain, Sanju Samson, move to CSK. In return, the inaugural IPL champions, the Royals, are reportedly in negotiations with CSK to acquire star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.
The complex trade, however, has hit a significant roadblock due to the proposed involvement of a third player: an overseas cricketer, strongly rumoured to be England all-rounder Sam Curran moving to RR. RR's roster is currently full, having already reached their maximum quota of eight foreign players. To accommodate an overseas addition like Curran, the franchise would be compelled to release at least one of their existing international players.
ALSO READ: Big News: LSG trade Shardul Thakur to this franchise for Rs 2 crore ahead of IPL 2026
Furthermore, a substantial financial disparity is adding to the difficulty. RR currently possess a meager remaining purse of ₹30 lakh, yet Curran's contract value, based on his signing by CSK in previous auctions, stands at a much higher ₹2.4 crore. This means the Royals must not only create an overseas slot but also generate enough funds to cover the trade value of the incoming player, making the necessary adjustments a procedural and financial challenge that is currently stalling the high-profile deal.
If Dhoni plays, he will feature as a keeper: Badrinath
Badrinath weighed in on the ongoing trade rumours surrounding Samson's potential move to the five-time IPL champions. Badrinath predicts that regardless of whether the blockbuster deal is completed, Dhoni's role behind the stumps remains secure. He fully expects Dhoni to feature as the primary wicketkeeper for the Super Kings in the upcoming IPL season, regardless of any new additions to the squad.
“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. I don’t think that’s going to happen, that’s my observation, knowing CSK and Dhoni," Badrinath told Star Sports.
“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 as 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.