Will MS Dhoni Play As An Impact Sub After Sanju Samson's Inclusion? Ex-CSK Star Reveals

A high-profile trade could be on the cards this IPL season, with reports suggesting that Sanju Samson may don the yellow of Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

The Rajasthan Royals (RR) skipper and wicketkeeper-batter is said to be at the centre of advanced discussions between the two franchises - a potential move that could see Ravindra Jadeja return to the Royals, the team where his IPL journey began.

However, the mega swap is currently hanging in the balance due to the involvement of a third player - an overseas name believed to be Sam Curran. RR's foreign player quota is already full, and to accommodate Curran, they would have to release one of their international cricketers. This hurdle has temporarily halted the trade talks, though insiders suggest negotiations remain ongoing.

If the deal materialises, it could have a ripple effect on MS Dhoni's role at CSK. With Samson being a wicketkeeper-batter and Dhoni's on-field appearances already limited, speculation has grown over whether the former India captain could transition into an Impact Player role for the 2026 season.

But former CSK batter Subramaniam Badrinath believes that scenario is highly unlikely. Speaking to Star Sports, he stated firmly that Dhoni will continue to take the field as a wicketkeeper if he plays at all. "MS Dhoni definitely won't play as an impact player. If he plays, he will feature as a keeper. The main reason for Dhoni playing is he needs to be out there at the Chepauk. As an impact player, he might come out to bat only in the final two overs. We don't know if he comes out to bat in that case. I don't think that's going to happen, that's my observation, knowing CSK and Dhoni."

Badrinath also hinted that while Dhoni's captaincy days may be behind him, his influence on the field remains profound. "He might not even play the full season but he will be there as a wicketkeeper, not sure as captain. But he will definitely be on the field. It will not happen that Dhoni is off the field and leaves someone like Sanju Samson to keep wickets. He will take this decision and speak to Sanju Samson."

Highlighting Dhoni's continuing leadership impact, Badrinath added, "Even though Ruturaj Gaikwad is the captain, he still has some control over the proceedings. Those small conversations, those tactical tweaks - that's where his value lies. Either he plays, or he calls it a day. There's no in-between with MS Dhoni."

Meanwhile, RR's limited purse of ₹30 lakh compared to CSK's ₹2.4 crore signing of Curran could make the trade even trickier to pull off, but if it does happen, it could be the headline move of the IPL offseason.