MS Dhoni may be willing to play only on his own terms if he returns for IPL 2027.
Former Chennai Super Kings batter Subramaniam Badrinath has claimed that Dhoni personally told him he would not continue merely as an Impact Player. The veteran cricketer reportedly still sees himself as a full-time wicketkeeper who should remain on the field throughout the innings.
The revelation has added a fresh layer of uncertainty to the ongoing discussion surrounding Dhoni’s IPL future.
Dhoni Prefers a Full-Time Role
The Impact Player rule could help CSK manage Dhoni’s workload by allowing him to contribute primarily as a late-order batter. Badrinath, however, said the former India captain is not interested in such a limited role.
According to Badrinath, Dhoni wants to keep wickets for the complete 20 overs if he continues playing. His reported stance suggests that he does not want to be included solely for a brief batting appearance near the end of an innings.
Badrinath believes the Impact Player option could still make tactical sense for CSK. Dhoni has generally batted during the closing stages in recent seasons, while wicketkeeping for an entire innings places additional demands on his body.
What Does It Mean for IPL 2027?
Dhoni’s reported decision does not confirm that he will retire before IPL 2027. It only indicates that an Impact Player role may not be an acceptable route for extending his career.
Neither Dhoni nor Chennai Super Kings has officially announced a final decision regarding his participation in the next season. For now, the key question is whether the 45-year-old feels physically ready to continue as a regular wicketkeeper-batter.
Dhoni stepped down as CSK captain ahead of IPL 2024 after leading the franchise to five championships. Despite taking on a reduced batting role, his presence and experience remain immensely valuable to the team.
The suspense around MS Dhoni IPL 2027 is therefore far from over. If Badrinath’s revelation is accurate, Dhoni’s decision may ultimately come down to one straightforward condition: he will return as a proper wicketkeeper, or perhaps not return at all.