“MS Dhoni definitely won’t play as an impact player”- S Badrinath on reports of Sanju Samson joining CSK for IPL 2026

Former CSK and India batter S Badrinath shared his views of reports of Sanju Samson being traded to Chennai Super Kings from Rajasthan Royals and playing under the guidance of legendary MS Dhoni. If the deal were to materialize and Samson were to become a Chennai player next year.

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MS Dhoni has confirmed his participation in the IPL 2026 as per CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan, and the 44-year-old will be the oldest player to be playing in an IPL season when the tournament commences next year.

Regardless of the agreement of Samson coming to CSK, former CSK player Subramaniam Badrinath is adamant that Dhoni will continue to start in the starting XI and not play as an impact substitute.

“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.

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,” said Badrinath on Star Sports.

Badrinath even went on to say that even though the skipper of Super Kings is Ruturaj Gaikwad, Dhoni still has some control over the game.

“That’s my understanding; I don’t think MS Dhoni is going to be an impact player at all. Either he is going to play or call it, ‘I’m done.’ Look at these visuals; this is MS Dhoni, this is the value he carries, those small adjustments, and some conversation with the bowlers. Even though Ruturaj Gaikwad is the captain, he still has some control over the proceedings. That’s where his value is,” he added.

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IPL 2025 was not a good tournament for CSK, who first lost their captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, early due to injury, leading to MS Dhoni taking over captaincy duties. Then poor performance across the board led to their first-ever 10th-spot finish in IPL history.

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