"MS Dhoni Will Become Batting Coach And Mentor": Ex CSK Star's Prediction Unnerves Fans

MS Dhoni might retire as a player before IPL 2027, says Subramaniam Badrinath© AFP

Have Indian cricket fans seen the last of MS Dhoni as a player in the Indian Premier League (IPL)? Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Subramaniam Badrinath feels that seems to be the case. The former India cricketer believes Dhoni is set to step into the role of mentor and batting coach at CSK as the franchise undergoes a period of transition, marked by the release of its existing coaching staff. Dhoni, who recently declined to confirm whether he will return as a player for CSK in IPL 2027, could be preparing to transition into the support staff, Badrinath strongly suspects.

Speaking in a video on his YouTube channel, Badrinath-who played 95 IPL matches for CSK-highlighted that the franchise has deliberately avoided naming a batting coach for the upcoming season. He sees this tactical delay as a clear signal that Dhoni is preparing to step into the dual role.

"CSK have three assistant coaches, but there is no batting coach. I have a feeling MS Dhoni will become the mentor and batting coach because they have consciously refrained from picking a batting coach. The CEO also mentioned they will not hire a batting coach, so perhaps Dhoni will step into that role and the decision has been taken accordingly," Badrinath explained, with his message expectedly unnerving CSK fans.

Following the departures of Stephen Fleming and other members of the longstanding coaching staff, CSK brought in former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan as their new head coach. Gareth Batty, Mohit Sharma, and Albie Morkel have joined Zaheer in the backroom team, with a few more appointments expected to be finalised shortly.

Badrinath feels that these new coaches may only be awarded short-term contracts given the proximity of the next mega auction.

"I feel all of these new coaches might only have one-year contracts because the mega auction is just a year away. At this stage, it is about assessing the squad, so no matter who is brought in as coach, strategic changes will not drastically impact the players yet. It seems unlikely that the core squad will undergo major alterations either," he added.

What lies in store for MS Dhoni in IPL 2027

Whether MS Dhoni takes the field as a player or guides the team from the dugout, his influence on Chennai Super Kings remains as important as ever. If he decides to end his career as a player, transitioning into a dual role as mentor and batting coach allows CSK to preserve his tactical genius, calm presence, and deep familiarity with the team's culture.

Alternatively, if fitness assessments favor another run on the field, Dhoni could complete a final player contract while seamlessly advising the new-look coaching staff under Zaheer Khan. Either way, IPL 2027 marks a definitive season for CSK, with Dhoni acting as the key bridge to ensure the franchise's culture stays intact.

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