Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s firm decision to reject the IPL Impact Player role and insist on being a full-time keeper has intensified speculation about his future involvement in the Indian Premier League, despite suggestions that the rule could extend his career.
Photo: Mahendra Singh Dhoni has made it clear that he wants to remain a full-time keeper if he continues to play. Photo: Annie’s photo
Key points
- Mahendra Singh Dhoni has said that he will not play as an impact player in the IPL, preferring to be a full-time wicketkeeper.
- This decision raises uncertainty over Dhoni’s participation in IPL 2027 and beyond.
- Former CSK batsman Subramaniam Badrinath believes the Impact Player role will tactically benefit Dhoni and CSK given his age and fitness.
Former Chennai Super Kings batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni has told Subramaniam Badrinath that he has no intention of continuing as an impact player, adding another development to the uncertainty surrounding his participation in next year’s IPL 2027.
The Impact Player Rule may have offered the veteran wicket-keeper a way to prolong his IPL career further by reducing his workload, but Dhoni has made it clear that he wants to remain a full-time wicket-keeper if he continues playing.
Dhoni’s position on the role of an influential player
However, Badrinath feels that the role of Impact Player could really suit Dhoni at this stage of his career, considering his limited involvement with the bat and the physical demands of keeping wicket for 20 overs.
“He has personally told me that he will not play as an impact player. He sees himself as a full-time goalkeeper, which means he has to be on the field for the full 20 overs. So he will not play as an impact player, but I feel that if he does, it will benefit CSK tactically.”
“His body cannot handle long overs, which is what even Fleming said. He will bat only after the 16th over and keep wicket. When his involvement is less, he will be ideal as an impact player,” Badrinath said on his YouTube channel.
Speculation about the future of IPL
The 45-year-old Dhoni has been plagued by fitness concerns in recent seasons and his future in the Indian Premier League remains a matter of speculation.
Badrinath believes the Impact Player Rule can ease Dhoni’s workload while allowing CSK to capitalize on his experience and finishing ability.
However, Dhoni’s preference to continue as wicketkeeper means CSK may have to wait for a decision on whether their long-time skipper will return for another season.
Dhoni, who led CSK to five Indian Premier League titles, stepped down as captain ahead of the 2024 season and has since played a limited-overs role with the bat.
