Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has weighed in on the debate over MS Dhoni’s role in Chennai Super Kings ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League season and said he is not in favor of the veteran being used as an Impact Player.
With more intense discussions about whether Dhoni should start in the playing XI or be used as a substitute, Ashwin made his position clear. He said that if Dhoni is part of the team, he must appear in the playing XI.
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The debate has gathered pace in recent weeks as IPL 2026 approaches. The question remains whether Dhoni, who has been gradually reducing his batting load, should continue as a full-time player or shift to a limited-overs role. Ashwin rejected the idea of using him as an Impact Sub.
“I don’t agree that he has to stay on the impact list. If he’s in the squad, he has to play. If he doesn’t want to, he shouldn’t play the whole season, that’s it. I don’t agree that he should be an impact player,” Ashwin said on his YouTube show Ash ki Baat.
Ashwin added that Dhoni’s presence in the line-up should end the debate over his inclusion in the XI, pointing to the former India captain’s faith in his own ability.
“If you make a CSK XI and Dhoni is in the squad, the debate ends right there. He has to be in the eleven. If he doesn’t want to play, he would retire. He believes 100 per cent that he can play. He has been training for the last three months. He is giving the message that he wants to play,” he said, when he wants to play, you can’t tell him you can’t play.
While Ashwin acknowledged that Dhoni may no longer be in the top six, he highlighted the roles he can still play, especially as a wicketkeeper and on-field guide for captain Ruturaj Gaikwad.
“He’s not your number six batsman, I’ll agree with that. But he can play a dual role. He can be a compass on the field for Ruturaj,” Ashwin said.
Ashwin also pointed to the importance of Dhoni in driving the bowling unit and controlling the game from behind the stumps, which he experienced during his time with the franchise.
“I think Dhoni will be instrumental in supporting this new bowling line-up on the field. Last year he wanted to play the last three overs but the top order didn’t always score and he had to come in earlier. This time they have added performance in the top order to avoid that situation,” he said.
He added that a stronger top order could allow Dhoni to stick to the finisher’s role more consistently.
“Maybe this time he will come up with the bat in only three or four games out of 14 games. Otherwise he will come at the end. His biggest role will be in holding, setting the pitch and putting a shoulder to Ruturaj. He can be a big brother in the team,” Ashwin said.
Ashwin said Dhoni’s preparation reflects his intent to contribute.
“We see his videos. He’s been training for the last three months. That’s the message he’s giving. He believes he can contribute, otherwise he’s not the type of person to continue,” he added.
Meanwhile, former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra also questioned the idea of using Dhoni as an Impact Player. He said that a player of Dhoni’s caliber should either play a full role or consider retiring from the game.
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
March 27, 2026 10:02 AM IST
