Indian Premier League (IPL) thrives on the “Thala” issue, and because the 2026 season approaches, the narrative surrounding MS Dhoni has shifted from retirement rumours to a radical tactical evolution. Regardless of being 44, Dhoni’s current return to the nets in Ranchi has sparked a frenzy. Nevertheless, it’s a revelation from his former teammate and spin wizard, Ravichandran Ashwin, that has really set the cricketing world ablaze.
Ravichandran Ashwin reveals the place MS Dhoni might bat for CSK in IPL 2026
Dhoni may be ditching his conventional finisher position to bat at No. 3. This isn’t only a sentimental transfer; it’s a calculated gamble. Traditionally, Dhoni has operated because the “ice-man” on the again finish of an innings. However with the sport’s meta-strategy shifting towards maximizing the batting Powerplay, Ashwin means that Dhoni is trying to grow to be an “enforcer.” Based on Ashwin, who lately hung up his boots after a remaining stint with CSK in 2025, Dhoni’s health and up to date observe periods point out a need to use the sector restrictions early on, very similar to the longevity displayed by veteran Imran Tahir.
“Dhoni seems to be set to play as he has already began practising. He’s wanting match. Some stated he could not play within the 11, or this may be his final season. But it surely seems to be like he obtained motivated seeing Imran Tahir. Taking a look at him, it doesn’t appear like he’ll bat at No.9. He seems to be like he’ll come out to bat at No.3 within the Powerplay and be the enforcer, the way in which he has begun observe,” Ashwin acknowledged on his YouTube channel.
For CSK, this transfer would remedy a selected structural downside. Within the 2025 season, the Yellow Military struggled, ending on the backside of the factors desk. Dhoni himself had a quiet yr by his requirements, managing 196 runs at a strike price of 135.17. By shifting up the order, Dhoni can set the tempo with out the fast stress of an escalating required run price, permitting the youthful power-hitters to mess around his veteran stability.
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Ashwin appreciates new-look CSK because the batting powerhous
Whereas the highlight stays firmly on Dhoni, the Chennai Tremendous Kings have quietly executed a “sturdy reset” through the low season. The acquisition of Sanju Samson is a large assertion of intent, offering the center order with a high-intent anchor. Ashwin factors out that the sheer depth of this lineup makes them a nightmare for opposition captains.
The projected 2026 batting order is a mix of seasoned gold and explosive youth:
- The Basis: Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson.
- The X-Elements: Dewald Brevis and the hard-hitting Shivam Dube.
- The Future: Younger sensations Ayush Mhatre and Prashant Veer.
Ashwin’s evaluation highlights that with gamers like Jamie Overton offering lower-order muscle and Ayush Mhatre anticipated to hold his home kind into the massive stage, CSK is trying to make 200-plus scores a routine prevalence.
“Even 220 turns into actually troublesome for groups to cease CSK,” Ashwin added on his YouTube channel, emphasizing that the sheer quantity of boundary-hitters on this squad is unprecedented.
Additionally READ: IPL 2026 Auction: Salary of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) players; check out how much Sanju Samson and Prashant Veer earn
