There is huge uncertainty prevailing over the future of veteran superstar MS Dhoni in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Ahead of every season, there remains a mountain of speculations about whether this will be the final season of his career. Notably, the uncertainty gathered a remarkable pace during the IPL 2026 when MS Dhoni was unable to take the field for CSK in the entirety of the tournament owing to fitness issues.

That absence also brought an end to his regular presence in the cash-rich league, contributing to the questions of possible retirement. Now, former CSK batter S Badrinath has added a major aspect to the rising questions about Dhoni’s presence in the upcoming edition of the tournament. Badrinath has revealed that Dhoni has personally conveyed that he does not want to play as an Impact Player. 

“He has personally told me that he won't play as an Impact Player. He sees himself as a full-time keeper, and that means he has to be on the field for the full 20 overs. So he won't play as an Impact Player, but I feel if he does, it'll tactically benefit CSK,” Badrinath said on his YouTube channel.

"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 less, he would be ideal as an Impact Player," he said.

Badrinath also raised questions about the Impact Player rule, highlighting how CSK all-rounder Shivam Dube’s role was limited due to it. 

“Shivam Dube bowling for India but not for CSK is not because of the Impact Player rule. It has to do with the CSK management and their lack of usage of Dube with the ball. Why are they using him as an Impact Player? The rule cannot be blamed,” Badrinath stated.

Badrinath also touched upon CSK’s treatment of Akeal Hosein, urging the franchise to keep him in the playing XI. 

“Akeal Hosein should be a certainty in the playing 11. But CSK keeps him as an Impact Player, and then when they bat poorly, they end up using an extra batter as an Impact Player. Because of this, Akeal Hosein ends up not playing. That’s just foolishness. You can’t blame the rule for your own foolishness,” he said.