'There is no chance' - Former cricketer reveals MS Dhoni's possibility to play all matches in IPL 2026
A former cricketer has claimed there is “no chance” that MS Dhoni will play all matches for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026, citing workload and fitness management.
Last Updated: 03.48 PM, Mar 13, 2026
Chennai Super Kings (CSK), one of the most successful teams in the tournament, will start their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 campaign on March 30 in Guwahati. They will play against the Rajasthan Royals. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan had revealed that MS Dhoni will play in this season as well. However, in what capacity, is upto the management.
Speaking about the same, former player Subramaniam Badrinath mentioned in his YouTube channel that coach Stephan Fleming or any other coaching staff will not be able to tell Dhoni that he is dropped from the team. Hence, he is likely to play all the matches.
"I don't know if it is an administrative decision where he (CSK CEO) said that he (Dhoni) is ready to play all matches. He said that he would support the cricketing decision and stop. 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," said Subramaniam Badrinath in his YouTube channel.
"I dont think any support staff in the world, be it even Fleming, can tell Dhoni you are an impact player or you dont play this match. There is no chance. We can take it that he is going to play all the matches," he added.
Also read: ‘Most pressure on...’: Faf du Plessis’ bold take on star India cricketer ahead of IPL 2026
Ruturaj Gaikwad set to lead CSK in IPL 2026
CSK are all set to go with Ruturaj Gaikwad as their captain for the upcoming season. He is one of the best players in the tournament and has won the Orange Cap several times. However, after getting the captaincy, neither has he performed nor has the team qualified for the playoffs.
Hence, the Men in Yellow will look forward to winning the tournament this time. Last they won in 2023 agaisnt Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad. Since then, they have failed to even qualify for the playoffs, which isn't related to the franchise's legacy. CSK have always qualified for the playoffs except in 2020, 2022, 2024, and 2025.