Prior to the 2026 Indian Premier League season, former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has commented on the controversy over MS Dhoni’s role for Chennai Super Kings, stating that he opposes the veteran being used as an Impact Player.
Ashwin stated his stance as debates over whether Dhoni should start in the starting lineup or be deployed as a substitute grew more heated. According to him, Dhoni has to be in the starting lineup if he is a member of the team.
As IPL 2026 draws near, the discussion has accelerated in recent weeks. Whether Dhoni, who has progressively cut back on his batting workload, should stay a full-time player or take on a limited role is still up for debate. The concept of deploying him as an Impact Sub was rejected by Ashwin.
“I do not agree that he has to stay on the impact list. If he is in the squad, he has to play. If he does not want to, he should not play the entire season, that is it. I am not in agreement with him being an impact player,” Ashwin said on his YouTube show Ash ki Baat.
Dhoni’s involvement in the squad should put an end to the controversy surrounding his inclusion in the starting lineup, Ashwin continued, citing the former India captain’s confidence in his own abilities.
“If you are making a CSK XI, and Dhoni is in the squad, the debate ends right there. He has to be in the XI. If he does not want to play, he would retire. He has 100 per cent belief that he can play. He is practising from the last three months. He is giving the message that he wants to play. If he wants to play, it is not possible to go tell him you cannot play,” he said.
Ashwin acknowledged that Dhoni might not be a top-six batsman anymore, but he emphasized the roles he can still play, particularly as a wicketkeeper and skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad’s on-field mentor.
“He is not your number six batter, that I will agree. But he can play a double role. He can be the on-field compass for Ruturaj,” Ashwin said.
Ashwin also emphasized Dhoni’s significance in overseeing the bowling unit and directing the game from behind the stumps, which he had witnessed while he was a member of the team.
“I think Dhoni will have a critical role in supporting this new bowling line-up on the field. Last year, he wanted to play the last three overs, but the top order did not always score, and he had to come in earlier. This time, they have added power in the top order to avoid that situation,” he said.
A stronger top order, he continued, might enable Dhoni to more reliably play the role of a finisher.
“Maybe this time, out of 14 matches, he will get to bat higher only in three or four games. Otherwise, he will come in at the end. His biggest role will be in keeping, setting the field, and giving a shoulder to Ruturaj. He can be the big brother in the team,” Ashwin said.
Dhoni’s preparation, according to Ashwin, shows that he intends to contribute.
“We are seeing his videos. He has been practising for the last three months. That is the message he is giving. He believes he can contribute, otherwise he is not the kind of person who will continue,” he added.
