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“MS Dhoni does not bat anyway…”: Ex-Player makes huge claim on CSK legend

Aakash Saini

Mohammad Kaif, MS Dhoni and Sanju Samson [Source: @SPORTYVISHAL/x, AFP]Mohammad Kaif, MS Dhoni and Sanju Samson [Source: @SPORTYVISHAL/x, AFP]

MS Dhoni was retained by the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), as confirmed by the franchise itself earlier this month ahead of the upcoming IPL 2026 auction. Moreover, the franchise also traded in Rajasthan Royals skipper and specialist wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson.

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes that Dhoni will continue to remain an integral member of the CSK team, even though the former captain has been batting extremely lower down the order in the last couple of seasons.

MS Dhoni was not play as impact player, believes Kaif

While speaking on his YouTube channel, former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif said that while MS Dhoni has limited his role as a batter, the ageing veteran will continue to serve the CSK franchise as a wicketkeeper and a mentor. Kaif also described Dhoni as a de facto captain of the team, who is there to guide young Ruturaj Gaikwad.

The cricketer-turned-commentator further claimed that MS Dhoni will not play as an “impact player” at any point during the IPL 2026 season next year. He said:

“MS Dhoni does not bat anyway. He is playing to keep 20 overs and to captain 20 overs. He is playing to guide the players. He is there to guide Gaikwad. He is playing only for this, as a mentor and captain. On paper, Gaikwad may be the captain, but till Dhoni is on the field, things are in his hands. There is no doubt about what he does. So I do not think he will play as an impact player. Either he will rule himself out, but no chance of him being an impact player.”

Mohammad Kaif believes that Sanju Samson will play as a fielder, while MS Dhoni will continue to keep wickets, at least in the initial phase of IPL 2026. He added:

“The era where a keeper could not field is gone. Now in the IPL and Indian cricket, it has all changed. Uthappa kept, Kedar Jadhav kept, KL Rahul also became a keeper. Now 2-3 wicketkeepers play in the XI, even in the Indian team. Sanju Samson will play as a fielder and Dhoni will keep in the starting at least. You need Dhoni on the field for a long time. Samson is not close to Dhoni in wicketkeeping. No one can reach that level. Only Dhoni can do what he does. He will run the game from behind.”

The inclusion of Sanju Samson in the team leaves the CSK management with two experienced wicketkeeper-batters.

With MS Dhoni’s enduring influence and Samson’s arrival, CSK now enter IPL 2026 with a blend of experience and renewed depth, as they aim to rebuild after their wooden-spoon finish earlier this year during IPL 2025.