Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif has shed light on the possibility of MS Dhoni as an impact player in IPL 2026. As expected, Dhoni was retained by the franchise and he is all set to play one more season in the IPL.

Kaif squashed the idea that Dhoni would play as an impact player in the next season. The former Uttar Pradesh batter said Dhoni will play as a leader and wicket-keeper.

It was noted in the previous season that Dhoni had batted way down the order and didn’t promote himself in the batting order despite many opportunities.

“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,” Kaif said on his YouTube channel.

Kaif highlighted that Dhoni plays a key role in the Chennai Super Kings’ leadership group.

“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.

Meanwhile, CSK have traded in Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. Kaif said Dhoni will continue to keep wickets despite the arrival of Samson.

“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.

IPL 2026 auction is likely to take place on December 15.