New Delhi: With MS Dhoni sidelined due to a calf injury, former New Zealand pacer Mitchell McClenaghan has suggested that Chennai Super Kings could use the veteran wicketkeeper-batter as an Impact Substitute against Kolkata Knight Riders. The strategy could allow Dhoni to contribute in key moments without the physical burden of wicketkeeping or extensive running, potentially giving CSK a tactical edge in the IPL 2026 clash.
On Monday, Dhoni had a short hit in the nets towards the fag end of CSK’s training session under lights at Chepauk, but limited himself to facing throwdowns from the support staff, including batting coach Mike Hussey. While he has been training with his teammates, Dhoni is yet to hit full tilt.
“If MS Dhoni is fit, then CSK should bring him in as the impact player. If the team management feels they need a short burst of runs from him, especially when they are chasing, then bringing him in as the impact sub will allow them to make the best use of his batting abilities. Playing as an impact player will mean he may not have to do a lot of running,” McClenaghan told JioStar.
Dhoni has missed the first four games for CSK and might miss the fifth one on Tuesday, too. He hasn’t been travelling with the team for away matches, nor for their home matches at Chepauk. He is likely to miss his fifth straight game this Tuesday.
“He can just come in, smack the ball into the stands and do his job of finishing in style. His aggressive stroke-making ability will come in handy for Chennai when they are chasing big scores. I think that is a good way to get Dhoni back into the groove. His presence will really give a lot of strength to the lower middle order of CSK,” he added.
After losing three games on the trot, CSK posted their first win on Sunday against Delhi Capitals. Sanju Samson (115*) and Jamie Overton (4-18) were the architects of the win.
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Caption: Chennai Super Kings’ player MS Dhoni during the ‘ROAR 26’ promotional event ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday, March 22, 2026. (Photo: IANS)
–IANS
