NEW DELHI: Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has ruled out MS Dhoni’s return for Chennai Super Kings IPL 2026 big clash against Mumbai Indians at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Saturday. Dhoni has not played a single match this season as he recovers from a calf injury and fans were hoping that he would finally return to one of the biggest rivalries of the tournament.
Watch
Kumar Sangakkara on RR’s win over Punjab KingsEarlier, CSK batting coach Michael Hussey had said that Dhoni was “very close” to a comeback, creating excitement among fans.However, Ashwin feels that the former India captain is unlikely to feature in the match. He also believes that Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma, who is recovering from a hamstring injury, may continue to be unavailable. Ashwin said on his YouTube channel, “I don’t know about Rohit Sharma, but Dhoni will not play 100 percent, I don’t think so. He can also surprise because he is that type of guy, but I don’t think Dhoni will play.”He further added, “I don’t think Rohit will play either but it’s a good chance for Suryakumar Yadav to come back in form as he won’t get a better batting wicket.” Ashwin believes the Chepauka pitch could be excellent for batting, giving struggling batsmen like Suryakumar a great chance to regain confidence.
Ashwin supports Sarfaraz Khan at No.3
Apart from discussing the injury, Ashwin also shared his thoughts on Chennai Super Kings batting. He said CSK should continue to provide Sarfaraz Khan a solid role at No.3 after Ayush Mhatre was ruled out of the tournament due to injury. According to Ashwin, Sarfaraz has been one of Chennai’s best players this season and deserves stability in the lineup.“I’m just saying one thing, Chennai should lock Sarfaraz Khan at No. 3. Don’t leave him in the fall because apart from Sanju Samson, he has been your best batsman this season. So fix him at No. 3,” Ashwin said.
