'Dhoni does not bat anyway' - IPL winner's huge claim on possibility of MS Dhoni as an impact player in IPL 2026

Published - 18 Nov 2025, 12:23 IST | Updated - 18 Nov 2025, 13:15 IST

On expected lines, MS Dhoni was retained by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). He will be looking to help his team bounce back strongly after the five-time champions finished last in the standings in IPL 2025.

Mohammad Kaif, IPL winner with Rajasthan Royals, ruled out the possibility of Dhoni being used as an Impact Player in the 2026 edition of the tournament. While Dhoni prefers to bat down the order of late, Kaif believes that he will add value to the team as a wicketkeeper and mentor.

"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," he said on his YouTube channel.

Ruturaj Gaikwad missed a major part of IPL 2025 due to an injury. MS Dhoni led CSK in his absence. However, it is expected that Gaikwad will take charge next year. Kaif, however, feels that the Maharashtra batter is the captain only on paper and on the field, it is Dhoni who calls the shots. That is why the former India batter doesn't see Dhoni as an Impact Player.

"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 no chance of him being an impact player," he added.

Sanju Samson has been traded in by CSK from the Rajasthan Royals. However, Kaif believes that the wicketkeeping gloves will be donned by Dhoni, and Samson will play as a fielder.

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"The era where a keeper could not field is gone. Now in the IPL and Indian cricket, it has all changed. Uthappa kept, Kedar Jadhav kept, KL Rahul also became a keeper. Now 2-3 wicketkeepers play in the XI, even in the Indian team. Sanju Samson will play as a fielder and Dhoni will keep in the starting at least. You need Dhoni on the field for a long time. Samson is not close to Dhoni in wicketkeeping. No one can reach that level. Only Dhoni can do what he does. He will run the game from behind," he said.