Former India batter Subramaniam Badrinath questioned whether MS Dhoni would be able to play every match in IPL 2026. "As important as his presence in field may be, will Dhoni give his inputs to Ruturaj Gaikwad?...Will Gaikwad ask and be open to Dhoni's suggestions?" he asked. Badrinath remarked that once Dhoni has given his availability, he must be on field.