MS Dhoni will not play as an impact player in IPL 2027, as Rohit Sharma did | PC- AFP
MS Dhoni is still among the most talked-about cricketers, alongside Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, despite not featuring in a single IPL fixture last season.
The former CSK captain missed the entire IPL 2026 due to a series of injuries. Initially, he suffered a calf strain just ahead of the tournament, ruling him out for the first two weeks. However, his injury worsened over time, which kept him on the the bench for all 14 fixtures.
Moreover, due to his calf injury, Dhoni didn't even travel with the CSK team for their away fixture in the IPL 2026.
S Badrinath confirms IPL 2027 for MS Dhoni
As the preparation for the IPL 2027 is peaking, an update on MS Dhoni’s availability has come to light.
As per former CSK batter S Badrinath, the legendary wicketkeeper has confirmed that he won’t play in the IPL 2027 as an impact player, meaning the 45-year-old would look to get his fitness to its highest level to keep for the entire 20 overs, throughout a two-month-long season.
“He (MS Dhoni) has personally told me that he won’t play as an Impact Player. He sees himself as a full-time keeper, and that means he has to be on the field for the full 20 overs. So he won’t play as an Impact Player, but I feel if he does, it’ll tactically benefit CSK," S Badrinath said on his YouTube channel.
Also Read: 5 Players Whose IPL Careers Can End If BCCI Removes Impact Player Rule
"His body cannot withstand long durations, which even Fleming has said. He is only going to bat after the 16th over and keep wickets. When his participation is so less, he would be ideal as an Impact Player".
Is IPL scaping Impact Player rule from next season?
That said, the impact player rule might not be in place in the near future, with the BCCI having asked all 10 franchises to submit feedback about the ground-breaking rule by August 31, which was introduced in 2023.
This is noteworthy because the rule was seemingly expected to continue for another season, but there is no official confirmation about that either.
If the IPL governing board does remove the impact player rule, it might bring the curtains down for various players from the competetive league like the IPL, where fitness standards are considered pinnacle.
It is noteworthy that MI’s Rohit Sharma, Rahul Tewatia from Gujarat and SRH’s Travis Head mostly play as impact players.
MS Dhoni's new role after Stephen Fleming's departure
Ever since CSK lifted their fifth trophy in IPL 2023, they have been going through a massive turmoil, being not able to translate performances on the field.
In the last three editions, they have finished in sixth, tenth and eighth positions, respectively, which is rather embarrassing for a team with five titles.
After failing to make the the playoffs for the third consecutive time, the CSK management decided to part ways with Stephen Fleming after IPL 2026.
With the legendary Kiwi coach out, MS Dhoni is expected to play an even bigger role as the most senior statesman in the setup. He might feature as a player next season, but the 45-year-old will transition into the backroom staff if he hasn’t already.
That said, there are multiple reports stating that Dhoni could don the mentor's hat at CSK, while he would also contribute to the scouting of Fleming's successor.
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