CSK will begin their IPL 2026 on March 30 against RR in Guwahati.
However, the question mark remains what will be MS Dhoni’s position in the playing XI for CSK. There have been speculations that Dhoni might play as an impact player, with Sanju Samson taking over the keeping role.
The team management will make the final decision on whether the CSK veteran will play as a wicketkeeper or as an impact player.
Dhoni had a disappointing IPL 2025 performance, hitting 196 runs in 14 matches. The veteran wicketkeeper batsman, who has struggled with knee troubles in the last two tournaments, averaged 24.50 with a strike rate of 135.17, sometimes walking in during the lower order to offer quick runs in the final overs when the team required a late surge.
Former India batter S Badrinath expressed his thoughts on Dhoni's presence in the CSK system, claiming that head coach Stephen Fleming would find it exceedingly tough to make the decision to leave the renowned wicketkeeper out of the starting XI, considering his status within the organization.
"I don't know if it is an administrative decision where he (CSK CEO) said that he (Dhoni) is ready to play all matches. He said that he would support the cricketing decision and stop. Now, will Fleming go and tell Dhoni that you don't play this match, we are dropping you. I don't think Fleming has a chance at all. How will he go and tell Dhoni that you are dropped? I literally feel that it is not possible," Badrinath said on his YouTube channel.
Badrinath further mentioned Dhoni's tremendous respect within the CSK camp, implying that even head coach Fleming or any member of the support staff would find it difficult to urge the veteran to sit out or play a lesser role.
"I don't think any support staff in the world, be it even Fleming, can tell Dhoni you are an impact player, or you don't play this match. There is no chance. We can take it that he is going to play all the matches," he added.
CSK will open their IPL 2026 against RR on March 30 in Guwahati.