Former Chennai Super Kings batsman Subramaniam Badrinath has given a big statement on CSK legend MS Dhoni before IPL 2026. The veteran Indian wicketkeeper will be a part of the franchise in the upcoming tournament, which begins on March 28.
Experienced IPL player Mahendra Singh Dhoni has reached the final stage of his career for the yellow team. On several occasions since his retirement from international cricket, cricket analysts have predicted that the IPL season would be the last time he would see the number 7 jersey in yellow.
However, fans have been thrilled to see their most beloved star playing all these years. Ever since MS Dhoni retired from international cricket, his fans have flocked to the stadiums to watch the legendary player live and CSK’s matches have gained immense popularity as well.
How will he go and tell Dhoni that you have been dropped – Subramaniam Badrinath
CSK CEO Kasi Vishwanathan, after announcing Dhoni’s availability in IPL 2026, said that any call or decision regarding his role in the team will be taken by the staff and not the administration. The CSK staff is led by head coach Stephen Fleming, who has been in the role for 15 seasons since 2009.
Responding to the same, former CSK batsman Subramaniam Badrinath believes that it would be very difficult for Fleming to go to MS Dhoni and inform him about such a big decision.
“I don’t know if it is an administrative decision where he (CSK CEO) has said that he (MS Dhoni) is ready to play all the matches. He said that he will support the decision of cricket and stay.
He said on his YouTube channel, “Now will Fleming go and tell Dhoni that you don’t play this match, we are removing you. I don’t think Fleming has any chance. How will he go and tell Dhoni that you have been dropped? I really think it is not possible.”
CSK loves to support its legends; He has supported Dhoni all these years, as well as Stephen Fleming for all the seasons he has played since 2009. He first came to star in the IPL in 2008 for Chennai Super Kings under Dhoni in the first season.
He said, “I don’t think any support staff in the world, even if it is Fleming, can tell Dhoni that you are an impressive player, or you should not play this match. There is no possibility of that. We can assume that he will play all the matches.”
Badrinath expects CSK vs RCB rivalry to be a blockbuster in IPL 2026
The IPL committee of BCCI had announced the schedule of only 20 matches for the upcoming IPL season and according to Badrinath, the RCB vs CSK match is one of the most anticipated clashes in the announced schedule.
“RCB has won only one trophy in 18 years and CSK has won five. So the rivalry is far from over. But there is some recent bias. In the last two years, we have gone to Chinnaswamy and lost against RCB.
“CSK haven’t played their best cricket to be honest. This is the match I’m personally excited for. It will be tough against CSK and a test for them,” he said.
Will MS Dhoni play as an impact player in 2026?
CSK has included Sanju Samson in its team for the upcoming season. Samson’s excellent form makes him the first choice for the playing eleven; However, Samson’s ability in the field is not considered the best.
MS Dhoni, who has turned 44, is not likely to field in the outfield. If he is not given gloves then there is every possibility that he can play as an impact player. The CSK CEO said that he is available to play every game of CSK’s campaign.
However, there also remains a possibility that Samson could be an impact player with the bat, and MS Dhoni will continue as the gloveman for the yellow team.
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