“He will take this decision and speak to Sanju Samson” - Former CSK star’s huge statement on MS Dhoni ahead of IPL 2026 auction

Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Subramaniam Badrinath strongly opined that MS Dhoni would not play as an impact player in IPL 2026. Badrinath stated that the CSK legend would want to be present on the field as a wicketkeeper and speak to Sanju Samson about the same.

According to several media reports, Samson is all set to be traded to the Super Kings ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. Although the 31-year-old has captained the Rajasthan Royals (RR) since 2021, the inaugural IPL champions will reportedly exchange him for CSK's Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. Nevertheless, Samson is unlikely to keep wickets.

Speaking on Star Sports, the 45-year-old claimed that even fans want to see Dhoni more on the field than just two overs of batting. Badrinath elaborated:

"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. 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."

Badrinath went on to state that the former India captain controls the game to an extent, even if Ruturaj Gaikwad is the captain.

"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."

Dhoni is the custodian of several IPL records, including most matches and most games as captain in the history. The 43-year-old is the joint-most successful skipper in the tournament, propelling CSK to five title wins.

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CSK CEO confirms MS Dhoni will play in IPL 2026

MS Dhoni took over as CSK captain halfway through IPL 2025. (Credits: Getty)

Meanwhile, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan reiterated that Dhoni is not yet done with IPL and revealed to Cricbuzz that the 43-year-old will feature in the upcoming season.

"MS has told us that he will be available for the next season."

CSK created an unwanted record last season, finishing last in the points table with only four wins in 14 games. Hence, their focus will not only be to pick the right combination in the IPL 2026 auction but also to perform well on the field.

Edited by Srinjoy Sanyal