Former Chennai Super Kings batter Subramaniam Badrinath made a huge statement on CSK veteran MS Dhoni ahead of IPL 2026. The legendary Indian wicket-keeper will be part of the franchise in the upcoming tournament, which will start on the 28th of March.
The veteran of the IPL, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, has reached the twilight years of his career for the Men in Yellow. Ever since his retirement from international cricket, on several occasions, cricket analysts have predicted that an IPL season would be the last time for the number 7 jersey to be seen in yellow colours.
However, fans have been thrilled to watch their most beloved star play over all these years. Ever since MS Dhoni retired from international cricket, his fans have flooded the stadiums to witness the legend play live, and the CSK matches have gained immense popularity as well as a pulse.
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How will he go and tell Dhoni that you are dropped- Subramaniam Badrinath
After CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan declared Dhoni’s availability in IPL 2026, he said that any calls or decisions regarding his role in the team shall be made by the staff and not the administration. The CSK staff is headed by Head Coach Stephen Fleming, who has been in the role for 15 seasons since 2009.
Reacting to the same, former CSK batter Subramaniam Badrinath believes that it will be very difficult for Fleming to walk up to MS Dhoni and inform him of such a major decision.
“I don’t know if it is an administrative decision where he (CSK CEO) said that he (MS 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,” he said on his YouTube channel.
CSK likes to back their veterans; they have backed Dhoni for all these years, as well as Stephen Fleming for all the seasons they have played in since 2009. He first came in to star in the IPL for the Chennai Super Kings under Dhoni’s leadership back in the first season in 2008.
“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.
Badrinath anticipates the CSK vs RCB rivalry as a blockbuster in IPL 2026
The IPL committee of the BCCI had announced only the 20-match schedule for the upcoming IPL season and the RCB vs CSK match is among the most anticipated clashes in the announced schedule, as per Badrinath.
“RCB have won only one trophy in 18 years and CSK have won five. So that rivalry is far. But there is some recency bias. In the last two years, we have gone to the Chinnaswamy and lost against RCB.
“CSK have honestly not played their best cricket. This is the match I am personally excited for. It’s going to be odds against CSK and a test for them,” he opined.
Will MS Dhoni play as an Impact Player in 2026?
CSK have included Sanju Samson in their squad for the upcoming season. Samson’s terrific form makes him the first choice for the playing XI; however, Samson’s ability in the field is not considered the best.
Turning 44, MS Dhoni is not likely to field in the outfield. If he is not given the gloves, then it is most likely that he might play as an Impact player. The CSK CEO informed that he is available to play every game of CSK’s campaign.
However, a possibility also remains that Samson might be the impact player with the bat, and MS Dhoni continues to star as the gloveman for the Men in Yellow.
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