Mohammad Kaif, former Indian cricketer, has claimed that despite CSK cementing that Ruturaj Gaikwad will continue as captain of the franchise in IPL 2026, MS Dhoni’s influence within the franchise remains undiminished.

MS Dhoni is confirmed to play in the IPL 2026 and also led in IPL 2025 after Gaikwad was ruled out of the tournament due to an elbow injury.

With Gaikwad resuming captaincy following an injury-plagued season and the acquisition of Sanju Samson from the Rajasthan Royals, questions remain over Dhoni's exact role in the club for the forthcoming season.

Mohammad Kaif underlined that Dhoni's responsibility extends well beyond that of an impact substitute.

"Dhoni does not bat anyway. He is playing to keep 20 overs and to captain 20 overs. He is playing to guide the players. He is there to guide Gaikwad. He is playing only for this, as a mentor and captain. On paper, Gaikwad may be the captain, but till Dhoni is on the field, things are in his hands. There is no doubt about what he does. So, I do not think he will play as an impact player. Either he will rule himself out, but there is no chance of him being an impact player," Kaif stated on his YouTube channel.

Many had thought that by bringing in Sanju Samson in a mega trade from the Rajasthan Royals, the CSK franchise would also hand him the captaincy. However, Ruturaj Gaikwad was confirmed as CSK captain for IPL 2026. This decision suggests that the management is committed to a defined transition process, albeit one overseen by Dhoni.

MS Dhoni’s role in CSK XI has also changed hugely, as he has sometimes batted as low as no. 9, as he has kept himself to hit the big shots down the order. Dhoni has been dealing with a dodgy knee since IPL 2023, and this has meant that the veteran has kept his running between the wickets to a minimum.