IPL 2026: The buzz around MS Dhoni and IPL 2026 is getting louder, and this time, it’s not just fan speculation.
Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has made a bold prediction that could completely change how fans view Dhoni’s final phase in the Indian Premier League.
According to Ashwin, the Chennai Super Kings legend might not just play—he could walk in at No. 3 during the Powerplay.
Yes, you read that right. Dhoni the enforcer. Dhoni the aggressor. Dhoni at the top.
Dhoni Not Done Yet—Ashwin Sees a Bigger Role
Ever since retiring from international cricket in 2020, MS Dhoni has continued to remain the heart and soul of the IPL. Despite recurring questions about his future, the CSK icon has kept returning, season after season, driven by fitness, passion, and unfinished business.
With Sanju Samson’s arrival as a wicketkeeper-batter option, many believed IPL 2026 could see Dhoni stepping into a mentor or non-playing role. But Ashwin has a different take.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin revealed:
Dhoni has already begun practice and looks fit. Some people thought he might not play or that this could be his last season, but he looks motivated. From the way he’s training, it doesn’t seem like he’ll bat at No. 9. It looks like he could come in at No. 3 in the Powerplay and play the enforcer’s role.
If this happens, it would be one of the most dramatic tactical shifts in IPL history.
Why Batting at No. 3 Makes Sense for Dhoni
Traditionally, Dhoni has operated as a finisher. But in recent seasons, he has faced very few deliveries due to CSK’s top-order structure. Moving him up the order could:
- Maximize his impact against the new ball
- Allow him to counterattack inside field restrictions
- Provide experience and calmness during early collapses
- Reduce pressure on the middle order
At No. 3, Dhoni wouldn’t need to play the waiting game — he could dictate tempo early, something CSK lacked in their disappointing 2025 campaign.
CSK’s Nightmare Season Still Fresh
Last season was one of the worst in CSK’s history. The franchise finished at the bottom of the table with just eight points in 14 matches. Dhoni himself struggled for rhythm, scoring 196 runs in 14 games.
The team lacked consistency in both batting acceleration and finishing strength — areas Dhoni once controlled with ease.
Ashwin believes CSK have learned their lesson.
‘They’ve Scouted Very Well’ – Ashwin on CSK Squad
Ashwin is confident Chennai have rebuilt strongly ahead of IPL 2026.
According to him, CSK now possess one of the most explosive batting units in the league:
- Ruturaj Gaikwad
- Sanju Samson
- Ayush Mhatre
- Dewald Brevis
- Shivam Dube
- Kartik Sharma
- Prashant Veer
Ashwin pointed out that while a couple of names are inexperienced, the overall batting firepower is frightening.
Even 200-plus totals may not feel safe against this CSK lineup if they get momentum. Bowlers will find it extremely difficult.
He also highlighted Jamie Overton’s form and the franchise’s ability to identify impact players.
Auction Drama: CSK Spend Big on Young Talent
Chennai made headlines during the auction by splashing ₹14.2 crore each on uncapped players Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer, both starting from a base price of ₹30 lakh.
Other additions include:
- Rahul Chahar – ₹5.2 crore
- Matt Henry – ₹2 crore
The franchise also made a major trade by bringing in Sanju Samson, while Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran moved to the Rajasthan Royals.
Could IPL 2026 Be Dhoni’s Final Masterstroke?
Dhoni has always surprised the cricketing world—from promoting himself in World Cup finals to redefining the role of the finisher. If Ashwin’s prediction turns true, fans may witness one last reinvention: Dhoni the powerplay aggressor.
Whether it’s strategy or speculation, one thing is certain — MS Dhoni remains the biggest storyline of IPL 2026.
And if he really walks in at No. 3, the Powerplay may never look the same again.
—MSAlso Read: Pakistan Announce T20 World Cup 2026 Squad: Babar Azam