CSK Coach Confirms MS Dhoni Will Keep Wickets, Not Play as Impact Player Over Sanju Samson
There has been much speculation surrounding MS Dhoni’s return to the IPL in 2026, but nothing will change until he feels he is ready. The team is patient and will wait for him with no pressure on the player.
When Dhoni does return to the field, he will be back to his full-time wicketkeeper role as he will no longer just be an Impact Player. Due to this, current Impact Player Sanju Samson may no longer have a place in CSK’s plans as he will no longer have a role as a wicketkeeper.
Chennai Super Kings plan MS Dhoni’s full comeback as wicketkeeper, ruling out Impact Player role in IPL 2026
Coach Michael Hussey has confirmed Dhoni will be playing as the full-time wicket-keeper when he returns but this could prove difficult for him to do. It requires constant movement and squatting while keeping your mind focused (Dhoni is returning from an injury to his calf muscle). This will definitely make things difficult for him.
Hussey said that,
“I’m quite sure he’ll be back behind the stumps. The main concern is the calf injury, it’s about the running, especially late in the innings when he may need to push hard for ones and twos. He just needs to ensure the calf is strong enough to handle that workload. From a skill perspective, we know exactly what MS Dhoni can do as a wicketkeeper, and he’s batting really well. It’s now about regaining full confidence in that calf,”
“He’s progressing really well. I know he’s pushing hard to return as soon as possible, and the fans are eager to see MS Dhoni back on the field. We’re hopeful it could be in the next few games, but he needs to be close to 100% to give his best. He’s been batting well in the nets and looks in good touch, now it’s also about being able to run hard between the wickets,”
But the positive thing is that Dhoni is hitting the ball superbly in the nets. Timing is perfect. But the real tough test will be to run between wickets and face match pressure. However, the CSK management believes in him. And the fans know for sure that Dhoni will not disappoint.
