MS Dhoni may not be done surprising fans just yet. Ahead of IPL 2026, former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has made a bold prediction, claiming that the Chennai Super Kings icon could walk out to bat at No. 3 and take charge during the Powerplay.
Dhoni, who retired from international cricket in 2020, continues to be one of the IPL’s biggest attractions. Even as questions grow around his role with the arrival of Sanju Samson, Ashwin believes the 44-year-old is gearing up for a more aggressive on-field presence this season.
Ashwin’s bold take on Dhoni’s role
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin said Dhoni looks fit, motivated, and far from ready to fade into the background.
“Dhoni looks set to play as he has already started practising. He’s looking fit. Some people said he might not be in the XI or that this could be his last season,” Ashwin said. “But watching him now, it doesn’t look like he’ll bat at No. 9. I feel he could come in at No. 3 in the Powerplay and play the enforcer’s role.”
Ashwin added that Dhoni may have drawn inspiration from veteran leg-spinner Imran Tahir, who has continued to play competitive cricket well into his forties.
A forgettable 2025 season for CSK
The previous IPL season was a tough one for Chennai Super Kings. The five-time champions finished at the bottom of the table with just eight points from 14 matches. Dhoni, too, struggled for rhythm, scoring 196 runs across the season.
Despite that, the franchise has opted for a major reset rather than a quiet transition, signalling that Dhoni’s playing days may not be over yet.
CSK’s revamped batting lineup
Ashwin feels CSK have done their homework ahead of IPL 2026. According to him, the batting unit looks stacked and difficult to contain.
With Ruturaj Gaikwad at the top and Sanju Samson added to the mix, CSK now boast a lineup featuring Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer.
“They’ve scouted very well. This is a powerhouse batting lineup,” Ashwin said. “Even totals of 200 or more won’t feel safe against CSK if they get their combination right.”
Big trades and auction moves
Samson joined CSK before the auction in a high-profile trade that saw Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran move to Rajasthan Royals. During the auction, CSK made headlines by spending ₹14.2 crore each on uncapped players Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer, both coming from a base price of ₹30 lakh.
The franchise also strengthened its bowling with Rahul Chahar for ₹5.2 crore and Matt Henry for ₹2 crore, underlining their intent to bounce back strongly.
Dhoni’s future still wide open
Whether MS Dhoni actually bats at No. 3 remains to be seen. But Ashwin’s comments have reignited excitement around the former India captain, who has made a habit of rewriting expectations throughout his career.
As IPL 2026 approaches, one thing is clear: Dhoni’s presence, bat in hand or behind the stumps, will once again be at the centre of CSK’s story.
