MS Dhoni remains a key part of Chennai Super Kings (CSK)’s plans for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL). It is unclear whether the former India captain will play as a regular player rather than an impact cricketer. Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif said that CSK would be making a mistake if they consider MS Dhoni as an impactful batsman.
There is speculation about the role of the experienced keeper-batsman in the IPL 2026 season. In previous seasons, the batsman, who usually came to bat at number seven, placed himself lower in the batting order to give more game time to emerging cricketers in challenging conditions.
Should Chennai Super Kings use MS Dhoni as an impact batsman?
Mohammad Kaif said that there would be no point in using Mahendra Singh Dhoni as an impact batsman as he does not play cricket outside the league. Kaif suggests that CSK should use the former India and CSK captain as a regular player.
“Now, many people are saying that he should play as an impact player. I completely disagree, and he will not even play as an impact player. It makes no sense. He bats at number eight, and in that position, he may face only 6 to 12 balls,” Mohammad Kaif explained on why CSK should not consider MS as an impact batsman.
Ruturaj Gaikwad will be the captain, but MS Dhoni will be in the headlines.
Ruturaj Gaikwad will be the captain of the Yellow Brigade, but the 44-year-old will be the main man of the team, Kaif mentioned while talking on his YouTube video. With all his experience, ‘Captain Cool’ will be on the front lines when the team needs him most. Kaif strongly believes that the veteran’s input will be very useful for captain Ruturaj Gaikwad.
“For those few balls, he is already contributing by keeping wickets for 20 overs, getting the helicopter view from behind, setting the fields and helping Gaikwad with bowling changes. Whenever the team is under pressure, MS gets involved. Even though Gaikwad is the captain and he has done a good job, I think the real control still lies with Dhoni,” he added.
Mohammad Kaif gave his opinion on MS Dhoni’s retirement
There are many claims on social media platforms that Jharkhand-born players will retire as soon as IPL 2026 ends. Kaif does not want to believe the rumours. He said that only Dhoni knows what is going on in his mind and he is not the kind of person who gives away his cards easily.
“Look, every year we say the same thing, but this year I feel that moment can actually come. There are no guarantees in these things, and sometimes he doesn’t show his cards. Mahendra Singh Dhoni never shows his cards. He waits till the last match to see which direction things will go; no one really knows. Even CSK’s KS Vishwanathan has often said that he doesn’t know what Dhoni’s plan is. Only he knows his plan. He will play. Or not, whether he is available or not, when will he stop or step down, no one knows,” Kaif shared his views on MS Dhoni’s retirement.
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