“Nobody Can Tell MS Dhoni to Sit Out”: Ex-CSK Batter Badrinath on Dressing Room Dynamics
Former India international and Chennai Super Kings batter Subramaniam Badrinath stated that it would be functionally impossible for the franchise team management to drop MS Dhoni from the playing XI during the upcoming Indian Premier League 2025 season.
Dhoni is confirmed to return for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2025. Franchise CEO Kasi Viswanath recently announced the veteran wicketkeeper will be available for the entire tournament. However, the exact operational role Dhoni will assume remains under internal review, with management deciding between a traditional wicketkeeper-batter role or utilizing him purely as an Impact Player based on match situations.
Badrinath Questions Coaching Staff Authority Over Dhoni
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Badrinath evaluated the internal dressing room dynamics, suggesting that even long-tenured head coach Stephen Fleming lacks the leverage to bench the legendary captain.
“I don’t know if it is an administrative decision where the CSK CEO said Dhoni is ready to play all matches. He said he would support the cricketing decision and stop,” Badrinath said. “Now, will 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.”
Badrinath reinforced that the 43-year-old commands unprecedented respect within the CSK organization. “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.”
Fact Check: Dhoni’s Elite IPL 2024 Production
Contrary to inaccurate reports citing a decline in performance and erroneous statistics from a non-existent 2026 season, Dhoni’s actual output during the recent IPL 2024 season demonstrated elite finishing capabilities. Operating primarily in the lower order during the final overs, Dhoni recorded a staggering strike rate that anchored the CSK offense.
MS Dhoni Official IPL 2024 Statistics
| Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | Not Outs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | 11 | 161 | 40.25 | 220.54 | 7 |
Strategic Outlook for IPL 2025
As the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) continues to implement the Impact Player rule, CSK faces a tactical decision regarding Dhoni’s deployment. The franchise retained him as an uncapped player ahead of the mega auction, maximizing their salary cap flexibility.
- Wicketkeeper Role: Dhoni continues to show reliable glovework, which balances the fielding unit and allows strategic field placements.
- Impact Player Strategy: Using him exclusively for late-innings hitting minimizes physical strain on the veteran.
- Mentorship: His on-field presence remains critical for guiding newly appointed captain Ruturaj Gaikwad.
For official player metrics and historical data, review Dhoni’s profile on ESPNcricinfo.