Former Chennai Super Kings star Ravichandran Ashwin has claimed that he sees no reason why MS Dhoni will not be a part of IPL 2026. Over the years, before the start and at the end of every season, there has been a lot of speculation on Thala’s future, and each time he has only said that he will return. This time around as well, it is the same. Now, Ashwin reckons that while Dhoni could surely play another season, his role may be different.
Dhoni to play as impact player in IPL 2026?
In a video uploaded on journalist Vimal Kumar’s Instagram handle, Ashwin was posed with the question as to how much petrol is left in Dhoni’s tank to continue in IPL. To this, the ex-India spinner explained that CSK’s release list for IPL 2026 would have indicated if Thala didn’t want to play in the next season. Ashwin said that there was a possibility of Dhoni playing as an impact player with the arrival of Sanju Samson to CSK as the latter could keep wickets.
“If MS Dhoni didn’t want to play, this release list would have indicated that. Because, there could have an extra savings of Rs 4 crore in that list. Those Rs 4 crore could end up CSK getting two or three players. The fact that Jadeja is gone and they don’t have power finishers, it is probably telling us that Dhoni will continue. And because there is an opportunity for impact player and Sanju Samson can keep wickets, it is a very good possibility that Dhoni could play as an impact batter,” Ashwin said.
Earlier on Sunday, a Times of India report quoted a source claiming that there could be a chance that MSD may hand over the gloves to Samson for few games in IPL 2026. Dhoni’s struggles to bat for a long time was well documented in IPL 2025 as he came out to bat pretty much down the order, even at number 8.
With Samson being traded to CSK, Dhoni has the liberty to put his foot up, allow Sanju to keep wickets and play purely as an impact batter. This could also allow MSD to play his usual role as finisher, which was what he has been known for.
Editor's Pick
Cricket
India squad for T20 World Cup: Shubman Gill's form big concern, Rinku vs Washi likely
Top Stories
