Dhoni’s Unshakeable Place in CSK’s Playing XI: A Former Star’s Bold Prediction
The upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season in 2026 is shaping up to be another significant chapter for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and a prominent former player believes one of the team’s most iconic figures, MS Dhoni, is virtually guaranteed a spot in the playing eleven. Despite his advancing age and the evolving dynamics of the game, the sentiment from some quarters is that Dhoni’s presence is non-negotiable for the Chennai franchise.
Dhoni, a veteran of the IPL, is reportedly gearing up for his 19th season in the tournament. As has been the case in recent years, discussions surrounding his role within the CSK setup persist. While many fans and cricket pundits acknowledge a perceived dip in his batting prowess over time, his exceptional skills behind the stumps remain undisputed.
The introduction of the Impact Player rule in previous seasons has undoubtedly offered a degree of flexibility, allowing teams to strategically deploy players. Furthermore, retention policies, particularly those favouring uncapped players, have enabled franchises to keep valuable assets at a more manageable cost. However, with Dhoni’s performances in the last couple of IPL editions falling short of his legendary standards, the debate surrounding his consistent selection in every match has only intensified.
This latest perspective comes in the wake of the CSK CEO, Kasi Viswanathan, expressing confidence that Dhoni would be available for all games this season. This statement has evidently fuelled the discussion, prompting former cricketer Subramaniam Badrinath to weigh in with a strong opinion.
“No Chance Anyone Will Tell Dhoni He’s Dropped,” Declares Badrinath
Speaking candidly on his YouTube channel, Subramaniam Badrinath articulated a firm belief that no member of the CSK coaching staff would ever be in a position to tell MS Dhoni that he is not part of the playing XI. Badrinath’s assertion highlights the immense respect and stature Dhoni commands within the franchise, suggesting that such a conversation would be virtually impossible to initiate.
Delving deeper into his reasoning on his popular YouTube platform, Badrinath elaborated on the dynamics at play. He questioned the practicality of any coach, even a respected figure like Stephen Fleming, approaching Dhoni with the news of his exclusion from a particular match.
- Badrinath stated:
“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 Stephen 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.”
His conviction extends to the idea that Dhoni would not be relegated to a mere Impact Player role. Badrinath believes that the legendary cricketer’s standing within the team transcends such tactical designations.
- He further added:
“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.”
This viewpoint suggests that Dhoni’s selection is seen as a given, irrespective of tactical considerations or the emergence of new talent.
CSK’s Strategic Eye on the Future: Preparing for Life Post-Dhoni
While MS Dhoni undeniably remains the face and a significant draw for the Chennai Super Kings, the franchise has also been proactively building a team that can thrive in the post-Dhoni era. A notable move in this direction was the recent trade of Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals for a substantial sum of INR 18 crore. Many observers interpret this acquisition as a key component of CSK’s long-term strategic planning. Samson, currently at the peak of his cricketing career, is widely seen as a potential successor to Dhoni, particularly in his role as a wicketkeeper-batsman, capable of serving the franchise for many years to come. The team also has other promising wicketkeeping options within its ranks, such as Urvil Patel, indicating a conscious effort to develop depth in this crucial position.
Despite these forward-thinking strategies, Dhoni’s continued leadership and immense popularity ensure that the team retains a significant pulling factor. As the 2026 IPL season approaches, the cricket fraternity will undoubtedly be scrutinising his on-field performances with keen interest, as they have done for many seasons prior. The enduring legacy and influence of MS Dhoni on the IPL, and specifically on CSK, remain a compelling narrative that continues to unfold.
