CSK Confirm MS Dhoni Won’t Play as Impact Player in IPL 2026

Exciting news for the Chennai Super Kings fans! The franchise has confirmed the role of MS Dhoni for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 matches that he will play. MS Dhoni is expected to make a comeback soon and will straight away jump back behind the stumps as a fully-fledged wicketkeeper and not as an Impact Player.

Dhoni missed the first seven matches due to a calf injury. Although CSK have stayed alive in the race with three wins so far, a Dhoni in any form is crucial. However, it is understood that he will be ease back slowly but the team management has opted for a different route of reintroducing him fully into the fray directly as wicketkeeper and also MS Dhoni is not going to feature as an Impact player.

CSK coach Michael Hussey revealed that Dhoni will go directly into the keeper role, which implies that Dhoni will replace the current keeper Sanju Samson. It was earlier believed that given MS Dhoni’s age, he will only be used as an Impact player to save his fitness, where in he would play as a batsman only.

Hussey said:

“I’m quite sure he’ll be back behind the stumps. The main concern is the calf injury, it’s about the running, especially late in the innings when he may need to push hard for ones and twos. He just needs to ensure the calf is strong enough to handle that workload. From a skill perspective, we know exactly what MS Dhoni can do as a wicketkeeper, and he’s batting really well. It’s now about regaining full confidence in that calf."

However, CSK has a trust on Dhoni's ability as a wicket-keeper, and they feel that Dhoni's acumen and experience as a keeper can't be lost.

Sanju Samson to Give Up Gloves as CSK Stick to Plan

MS Dhoni's return means Sanju Samson will have to pass on the gloves back to Dhoni. Samson has kept the stumps in the absence of MSD while also contributing his bit with the bat but the management remains firm on Dhoni taking back the responsibilities once he is fully fit.

In a very interesting fact, the Super Kings have not used MS Dhoni as an Impact Player at all, since the rule was introduced in 2023. This is even true last season, when the 44-year-old was reportedly facing knee problems, the team has always wanted him in the field and not just a specialist batter.

Hussey also said that he does not see any problem with Dhoni's batting.

Hussey explained:

“He’s progressing really well. I know he’s pushing hard to return as soon as possible, and the fans are eager to see MS Dhoni back on the field. We’re hopeful it could be in the next few games, but he needs to be close to 100% to give his best. He’s been batting well in the nets and looks in good touch, now it’s also about being able to run hard between the wickets."

Running between the wickets will the biggest challenge for 44-year-old MS Dhoni, when he gets back. He would want to be fit enough to push it hard in critical situations of the game.