MS Dhoni may have stepped away from international cricket five years ago, but the questions around his future refuse to fade. The Chennai Super Kings icon, now 44, is preparing for what will be the 19th season of the Indian Premier League, having already begun training in Ranchi nearly two months before the expected start of IPL 2026. Dhoni has featured in six IPL seasons since his last appearance for India in 2019, and with CSK bringing in several big names, including India wicketkeeper Sanju Samson, speculation has grown that the veteran could transition into a non-playing role. Former teammate R Ashwin, however, does not see that happening.
Ashwin, who retired from IPL cricket in August 2025 after his final season with CSK, believes Dhoni could even take on a radically different batting role this year. Speaking on his YouTube channel, the off-spinner suggested that Dhoni may look to impact games early rather than finishing them late. “Dhoni looks set to play as he has already started practising. He’s looking fit. Some said he may not play in the 11, or this might be his last season. But it looks like he got motivated seeing Imran Tahir. Looking at him, it doesn’t look like he’ll bat at No.9. 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,” Ashwin said. CSK endured a difficult campaign last season, finishing bottom of the table, while Dhoni himself managed 196 runs at a strike rate of 135.17 across 14 matches. Despite that, Ashwin feels the franchise has put together a formidable squad ahead of the new season. “They’ve scouted very well and boast a powerhouse of a batting lineup. Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Karthik Sharma, and Prashant Veer is a batting lineup, barring the inexperience in the last two, you ask how are teams going to stop this batting lineup? Even a 200 to 200 becomes really difficult for teams to stop CSK to,” Ashwin added. He also highlighted the depth and versatility within the squad, pointing to overseas reinforcements and young Indian talent as key strengths. “Even Jamie Overton is going great guns. Only the combination CSK decides to go with is to be seen. Ayush Mhatre, irrespective of what happens in the U-19 World Cup, will deliver in the IPL. CSK’s batting is a tough one to stop. If they get the combination and momentum right, that is a batting lineup that’s really going to make work very difficult for bowlers around the tournament.” With Dhoni already back in training and Ashwin hinting at an aggressive new role, the CSK captain’s future once again promises intrigue as another IPL season approaches.
