Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) star Subramaniam Badrinath has raised uncomfortable questions and asked if the franchise would play Sanju Samson as an Impact Player upon MS Dhoni’s return.
Dhoni hasn’t played a game in the season due to a calf strain. He could make his return to the playing XI against Mumbai Indians. Samson is keeping the wickets in his absence. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Badrinath said that Dhoni will do the wicketkeeping when he returns to the playing XI. He might replace Ayush Mhatre, who played as an Impact Player.
“There will be a discussion of replacing Ayush Mhatre, even with MS Dhoni. But Mhatre played as an Impact Sub. So if Dhoni comes, he’ll keep wickets. Who will be the Impact Sub in that case? Will Sanju Samson be the Impact Sub? Several questions like this will arise. It has me thinking if this is the right time to bring MS Dhoni in for Ayush Mhatre and use Samson as the Impact Sub,” Badrinath said.
Samson won’t play as an Impact Player even upon Dhoni’s return. In fact, CSK might play Dhoni as an Impact Player. doesn’t face many balls now and comes out to bat very late. The former CSK captain might be included in the list of Impact Players if he is fit. He could also replace one of the batters if CSK need him in the playing XI for the full 40-over duration.
Sanju Samson’s performance for CSK
With 192 runs in six innings, Samson is CSK’s second-highest run-scorer in the season. After a below-par start to the season, Samson returned to form and slammed an unbeaten 115 against Delhi Capitals. He continued his form and scored 48 against Kolkata Knight Riders.
Samson departed for seven runs against Sunrisers Hyderabad. For the first time in history, he will play the El-Clasico of IPL on Thursday (April 23). He was part of Rajasthan Royals (RR) from IPL 2018 to 2025.
Samson joined CSK via trade before the IPL 2026 mini-auction. CSK traded Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to the Rajasthan-based franchise in exchange.