“MS Dhoni won’t play as an Impact Player”: Mohammad Kaif makes big claim ahead of IPL 2026
Published - 18 Mar 2026, 01:02 PM | Updated - 18 Mar 2026, 01:08 PM
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MS Dhoni remains the main cog of Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) plans for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL). It is unclear whether the former India captain will play as a regular player, instead of an impact cricketer. Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif noted that CSK will make a mistake if they consider MS Dhoni as an impact batter.
There are speculations around the veteran keeper-batter’s role in the IPL 2026 season. In the previous season, the batter, who usually came to bat at number seven, put himself lower in the batting order to offer the emerging cricketers more game time under challenging situations.
Should Chennai Super Kings utilise MS Dhoni as an Impact Batter?
Mohammad Kaif said that using Mahendra Singh Dhoni as an impact batter will not make any sense, as he does not play cricket outside the league. Kaif suggests that CSK should utilize 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 won’t play as an Impact Player either. There is no point. He bats at number eight, and at that position, he might face only 6 to 12 balls,” Mohammad Kaif explained why CSK should not consider MS as an impact batter.
Ruturaj Gaikwad will be the captain, but MS Dhoni will be under the spotlight
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 speaking on his YouTube video. With all his experiences, ‘Captain Cool’ will be on the frontline when the team needs him the most. Kaif has a strong belief 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 that helicopter view from behind, setting the field, and helping Gaikwad with bowling changes. Whenever the team is under pressure, MS is involved. Even though Gaikwad is the captain and has done a good job, I feel the real control is still with Dhoni,” he further added.
Mohammad Kaif opined on MS Dhoni's retirement
There are also several claims on social media platforms that the Jharkhand-born will hang up his boots as soon as the IPL 2026 concludes. Kaif does not want to trust the rumors. He stated that only Dhoni knows what is running in his mind, and he is not someone who shows the card easily.
“Look, every year we say the same thing, but this year I feel that moment might actually come. There is never a guarantee with these things, and sometimes he doesn’t reveal his cards. Mahendra Singh Dhoni never shows his cards. He waits till the last match to decide which way things will go; no one really knows. Even CSK’s K S Viswanathan has often said that they don’t know what Dhoni’s plan is. Only he knows his own plan. Whether he will play, whether he is available, what his plan is, when he will stop or step aside, no one knows,” Kaif shared his views on MS Dhoni's retirement topic.
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