Speculation is rife regarding MS Dhoni's role in the upcoming IPL 2026 season, especially after a disappointing performance by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the previous season. Amidst swirling rumors of a potential shift to a non-playing role, former India and CSK teammate R Ashwin has offered a surprising prediction about Dhoni's batting position.
Dhoni, who will be 44 this year, has been a mainstay in the IPL since his international retirement in 2019. He has played six seasons since then, but with the recent acquisition of wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, questions arose about whether Dhoni would transition into a mentorship or coaching role. However, Ashwin believes Dhoni is far from finished as a player.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin stated that Dhoni is preparing for the 19th IPL season and has already commenced practice, looking fit and motivated. Dismissing the notion of Dhoni batting at No. 9, Ashwin boldly claimed, "He looks like he'll come out to bat at No. 3 in the Powerplay and be the enforcer, the way he has begun practice". This contrasts with Dhoni's role in the previous season, where he primarily batted in the lower-middle order.
If Ashwin's prediction holds true, this would mark a significant shift in Dhoni's approach, potentially aiming to exploit the field restrictions during thePowerplay overs. It would also signal a renewed intent to take on a more proactive role with the bat.
Adding to the excitement, a video of Dhoni's practice session in Ranchi has gone viral, further fueling anticipation for the upcoming season. The Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) posted the video, captioning it "Pride of JSCA: Mahendra Singh Dhoni".
Ashwin also lauded the quality of CSK's squad, praising their scouting and the acquisition of a "powerhouse" batting lineup. He highlighted the names of Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Karthik Sharma, and Prashant Veer, suggesting that only the inexperience of the latter two might be a concern. Ashwin went on to say that it would be difficult for teams to stop CSK even if they scored 200 runs.
Despite Dhoni's illustrious IPL career, CSK had a tough season in 2025, finishing at the bottom of the points table. Dhoni himself had a somewhat subdued season, scoring 196 runs in 13 innings. With the arrival of Sanju Samson, Dewald Brevis, Ayush Mhatre and Urvil Patel putting Dhoni's future in the spotlight, fans will be eager to see if the "Finisher Thala" can unleash his fury in IPL 2026. CSK also made record-breaking buys in UP all-rounder Prashant Veer and Rajasthan wicketkeeper Kartik Sharma.
