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"Definitely not as impact player": Badrinath on MS Dhoni's role change after Samson trade

Akshita Patel

Suspense over MS Dhoni's role amid Sanju Samson trade [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X.com]Suspense over MS Dhoni's role amid Sanju Samson trade [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X.com]

Former CSK cricketer Subramaniam Badrinath has made it clear that MS Dhoni will not play as an impact player, even if Sanju Samson joins CSK in the next IPL season. He stated that keeping wickets will be non-negotiable for Dhoni.

Recent reports suggest that Samson could be traded to Chennai in a three-player swap deal between CSK and RR involving Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran.

This has led to speculations that Dhoni might play as an impact player, with Sanju Samson taking over as full-time wicketkeeper-batter.

Badrinath says MS Dhoni’s field presence is important for CSK

Meanwhile, Subramaniam Badrinath, speaking on Star Sports Tamil, said that MS Dhoni, 44, will continue to be a part of the playing XI as a wicket-keeper, rather than just coming in for a few overs at the end of a match as an impact player.

“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 of 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," Badrinath said.

He explained that Dhoni’s presence on the field at Chepauk is crucial, and he won’t simply come in for a couple of overs at the death.

Even if MS Dhoni doesn’t play the entire season, Badrinath believes he will always be on the field as a wicket-keeper and not as someone sitting out while younger players like Sanju Samson take charge.

"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 leave someone like Sanju Samson to keep wickets. He will take this decision and speak to Sanju Samson,” he added.

According to Badrinath, Dhoni’s experience allows him to make subtle adjustments, guide bowlers, and influence the game, which is why his presence on the field is always significant. 

“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, 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."

MS Dhoni unlikely to retire in IPL 2026

Meanwhile, at 44, MS Dhoni was expected to retire from IPL after the end of the 2025 season, where CSK finished at the bottom of the table. 

However, according to Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan’s latest statement, Dhoni has confirmed that he will play in IPL 2026 and has no plans for immediate retirement.

As for the Sanju Samson trade, the deal has hit a snag since the Rajasthan Royals reportedly have no overseas slots available on their squad to fit Sam Curran. 

Hence, RR will have to release an overseas player to finalise the three-player trade.