Dhoni Wants Full Time IPL Role: MS Dhoni Set to Continue in IPL 2027 as Full Time Player
MS Dhoni has told former CSK player Subramaniam Badrinath that he wants to continue as a full time wicketkeeper rather than use the Impact Player option in IPL 2027.
Dhoni Wants Full Time IPL Role: MS Dhoni’s plans for the 2027 IPL have become a little clearer, although his return to the tournament is still not confirmed. Former Chennai Super Kings player Subramaniam Badrinath has revealed that Dhoni does not want to come back as an Impact Player.
According to Badrinath, Dhoni told him personally that if he plays, he wants to take the gloves and remain on the field for the entire 20 overs. That would mean taking on the regular wicketkeeping role rather than arriving only when his team needs him with the bat.
That decision has opened up another question for CSK. Dhoni has dealt with fitness issues in recent seasons, and keeping wickets for a full innings can be physically demanding. Badrinath feels the Impact Player option could actually reduce that workload while still allowing Dhoni to contribute with the bat.
The former CSK batter also pointed out that Dhoni generally comes in very late when he bats. In such a situation, Badrinath feels there could be a tactical advantage in using him as an Impact Player. But that is not the role Dhoni apparently wants for himself.
The Impact Player rule itself is also under discussion ahead of the next IPL season. The rule is currently part of the 2025 to 2027 playing cycle, but there has been debate around whether it should continue. The BCCI has sought views from the franchises before making a decision.
Badrinath also spoke about CSK’s use of the rule with other players. He argued that Shivam Dube’s bowling is more useful to India than it is to CSK and questioned whether the franchise needs to depend on the Impact Player option in his case.
He also mentioned Akeal Hosein, saying CSK should consider keeping the spinner in the playing XI rather than repeatedly using him as an Impact Player. According to Badrinath, these decisions come down to how a team uses the rule rather than the rule itself.
For now, the biggest question remains Dhoni’s return. His preference is clear according to Badrinath, but whether his body can handle the demands of a full match and whether he will actually play IPL 2027 are still matters for the veteran cricketer and CSK to decide.
