Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif has downplayed the idea that MS Dhoni should play as an impact player in IPL 2026. Kaif reckons Dhoni has a huge role to play on the field as he helps skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad in making the team’s strategy and setting the right field.

Dhoni has all the experience of leading with aplomb and has always played an instrumental role in CSK’s success. The wicket-keeper bat is likely to bat down the order, and Kaif reckons Dhoni will face only 5-10 deliveries.

Mohammad Kaif said on his YouTube Channel, “Now, many people are saying that he should play as an Impact Player. I completely disagree, and he won’t play as an Impact Player either. There is no point. He bats at number eight, and at that position, he might face only 6 to 12 balls. For those few balls, he is already contributing by keeping wickets for 20 overs, getting that helicopter view from behind, setting the field, and helping Gaikwad with bowling changes. Whenever the team is under pressure, MS is involved. Even though Gaikwad is the captain and has done a good job, I feel the real control is still with Dhoni.”

The former UP batter said since Dhoni doesn’t play any other form of professional cricket, it would not make sense to use him as an impact player.

“So if you use him only as an Impact Player and ask him to just go and bat, that doesn’t make sense. He doesn’t play cricket throughout the year, so you cannot expect the old Dhoni who would come in and smash 30 off 10 balls. That won’t happen consistently. Maybe in one or two matches he can do it, like he did last year, but not regularly.”

The Natwest Trophy final hero said the upcoming IPL 2026 could be the swansong season for MS Dhoni.

“Look, every year we say the same thing, but this year I feel that moment might actually come. There is never a guarantee with these things, and sometimes he doesn’t reveal his cards. Mahendra Singh Dhoni never shows his cards. He waits till the last match to decide which way things will go, no one really knows. Even CSK’s K S Viswanathan has often said that they don’t know what Dhoni’s plan is. Only he knows his own plan. Whether he will play, whether he is available, what his plan is, when he will stop or step aside, no one knows.”

CSK will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against the inaugural champions Rajasthan Royals, at Guwahati on 30th March.