Dhoni Has Ruled Out Continuing as an Impact Player, Reveals Badrinath
Mahendra Singh Dhoni has told former Chennai Super Kings batter Subramaniam Badrinath that he does not plan to continue in the Indian Premier League as an Impact Player, adding further uncertainty over his participation in the 2027 season.
The Impact Player rule could have provided the veteran wicketkeeper-batter with an option to extend his IPL career by reducing his workload. However, according to Badrinath, Dhoni wants to remain a full-time wicketkeeper if he continues playing.
Badrinath believes the Impact Player role could nevertheless be well suited to Dhoni at this stage of his career, given his limited involvement with the bat and the physical demands of keeping wickets throughout a 20-over innings.
“He has personally told me that he won’t play as an Impact Player. He sees himself as a full-time keeper, which means he has to be on the field for the entire 20 overs. So, he won’t play as an Impact Player,” Badrinath said on his YouTube channel.
However, Badrinath feels that using Dhoni as an Impact Player could benefit CSK tactically.
“I feel if he does, it’ll tactically benefit CSK. His body cannot withstand long durations, which even Fleming has said. He is only going to bat after the 16th over and keep wickets. When his participation is so limited, he would be ideal as an Impact Player,” he said.
Dhoni’s IPL Record
Dhoni has scored 5,439 runs in 278 IPL matches, including 24 half-centuries, at a strike rate of 137.45.
As captain, he has guided Chennai Super Kings to five IPL titles, sharing the record for the most championships won by a captain alongside Mumbai Indians.
With his future in the IPL still uncertain, Dhoni’s decision regarding his role could become an important factor in determining whether he continues his illustrious career into the 2027 season. ALSO READ: India-West Indies T20: Indore Tickets Priced Between Rs 1,000 and Rs 12,500
