Chennai: MS Dhoni has clarified that he will not play as an ‘Impact Player’ in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Speaking to former India cricketer Subramaniam Badrinath, Dhoni made it clear that he would not take the Impact Player route going forward. His decision has now increased uncertainty over his participation in IPL 2027. If he wants to continue playing as a full-time wicketkeeper, his fitness will also become a major talking point.
Dhoni, 45, retired from international cricket in 2019-20 and, after leading Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to their fifth IPL title in 2023, was initially not keen on continuing his IPL career. However, he continued playing because of the demand from millions of fans. The Impact Player rule played a major role in extending his IPL career. Dhoni chose to use the rule to reduce his workload. However, he has now made it clear that if he continues playing in the IPL, he will do so as a full-time wicketkeeper.
S. Badrinath said on his YouTube channel, “Dhoni personally told me that he will not play as an Impact Player. If he plays, he will be the wicketkeeper for the entire match. In other words, he is willing to field for the full 20 overs. I think if Dhoni plays as a full-time wicketkeeper, it will be a big advantage for CSK. However, the major question is whether his body will support him. Former head coach Stephen Fleming had also said something similar. He would probably bat mostly after the 16th over and keep wickets throughout the innings. If his role in the match is so limited, then the Impact Player rule would actually be ideal for him.”
If Dhoni wants to play strictly as a full-time wicketkeeper, CSK may have to wait for a considerable period before he makes a final decision regarding IPL 2027. Dhoni stepped down as captain before the 2024 season, with the CSK captaincy handed over to Ruturaj Gaikwad.
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