MS Dhoni IPL Future
There is interesting talk regarding the future of veteran Indian cricketer M.S. Dhoni and a potential shift in his on-field role to that of an “Impact Player.” However, former CSK batsman Subramaniam Badrinath has stated that MS Dhoni does not see his IPL future as an Impact Player.
MS Dhoni IPL Future isn’t Determine Yet
Former Chennai Super Kings player Subramaniam Badrinath has shared inside information regarding the situation with Dhoni, revealing that the veteran does not intend to take on the role of an “Impact Player.” According to him, Dhoni has personally expressed a desire to continue as the wicketkeeper; however, his intentions will run up against the stance of the CSK selectors, who are actively discussing the squad composition for the upcoming season. MS Dhoni is an experienced veteran and former Chennai Super Kings captain, but at 45 years old, questions regarding his future are arising increasingly often. Badrinath believes that the Impact Player role could give the club a tactical advantage while also extending MS Dhoni future in IPL, as he would not have to spend the entire match on the field — a consideration prompted by Subramaniam’s view that the player’s physical fitness is not currently at its peak.
“He (Dhoni) personally told me that he wouldn’t play as an ‘Impact Player,’ as he still sees himself as a full-fledged wicketkeeper—meaning he is ready to play the full 20 overs. I think he should seriously consider a new role, as it would help the team. M.S.’s physical fitness raises questions; his body struggles to handle long-term strain, and I’m not the only one saying this. He’s already coming onto the field from the 16th over anyway, so I don’t understand why he wouldn’t switch to the Impact Player role,” said Badrinath.
Defining the roles of CSK players on the field will be crucial for the team. The Chennai Super Kings are going through a difficult period, as the legendary club has once again failed to qualify for the IPL playoffs. Subramaniam Badrinath’s words have already caught the attention of CSK officials. It is quite possible that the team will seriously consider making active use of veteran players. In this case, M.S. Dhoni may be left with no other choice, and the cricketer’s career could come to an end if he shows no clear desire to change his standing within the team.
MS Dhoni IPL Future: Why He Doesn’t Want to Be an Impact Player?
As a reminder, the “Impact Player” is a special strategic role in Indian cricket. Teams have the right to substitute a player during the match; however, unlike standard substitutions — where a cricketer enters the field only due to another player’s injury and cannot perform any other role than that of a fielder — the Impact Player substitution allows the incoming player to both bat and bowl. This rule has become a significant strategic element, since the teams actually play with a 12-man lineup by making a substitution at an opportune moment to bolster their batting or bowling capabilities.
Clearly, MS Dhoni doesn’t feel like it’s his IPL future. Before matches begin, teams name up to five substitute players, each of whom can be called onto the field as an “Impact Player.” Dhoni likely believes that at this stage of his career, he does not need to sit on the bench waiting for a potential call-up to the field. After all, he has been playing professional cricket for over 20 years. Under his captaincy, the Chennai Super Kings have won five IPL titles. In a sense, one can understand a player who has scored 455 runs in a season: he has nothing left to prove, and therefore no need to cling to every opportunity to stay with the team.
