Ashwin's Bold Prediction: MS Dhoni to Reinvent Batting Role for CSK in IPL 2026
As the cricketing world eagerly anticipates the 2026 Indian Premier League season, a fascinating prediction from former teammate R Ashwin has sparked widespread discussion. Ashwin, who retired from IPL cricket in August 2025 after his stint with Chennai Super Kings, has made a bold claim regarding the legendary MS Dhoni's potential role in the upcoming tournament.
Dhoni's Training Resumption and Ashwin's Insight
The 44-year-old Dhoni, who continues to captivate fans five years after his international retirement, recently resumed training in Ranchi. This development comes approximately two months before the proposed start of IPL 2026, signaling his preparation for what many speculate could be another season with the five-time champions.
Despite widespread speculation that Dhoni might transition to a non-playing capacity following CSK's acquisition of high-profile players like Indian wicket-keeper Sanju Samson, Ashwin presents a contrasting viewpoint. The veteran spinner believes Dhoni is not merely preparing for a farewell season but is gearing up for a significant tactical shift in his batting approach.
The Powerplay Enforcer: A New Role for Dhoni
Ashwin's analysis, shared on his YouTube channel, suggests Dhoni could adopt a completely fresh batting position. "Dhoni looks set to play as he has already started practising. He's looking fit," Ashwin observed. "Some said he may not play in the 11, or this might be his last season. But it looks like he got motivated seeing Imran Tahir. Looking at him, it doesn't look like he'll bat at No.9. He looks like he'll come out to bat at No.3 in the Powerplay and be the enforcer, the way he has begun practice."
This prediction marks a dramatic departure from Dhoni's recent batting positions. During the previous IPL season, where CSK finished at the bottom of the points table, Dhoni managed only 196 runs at a strike rate of 135.17 across 14 games, typically batting in the lower middle order.
CSK's Revamped Batting Lineup and Ashwin's Assessment
Ashwin also expressed enthusiasm about CSK's comprehensive squad rebuilding efforts. "They've scouted very well and boast a powerhouse of a batting lineup," he remarked. "Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Karthik Sharma, and Prashant Veer is a batting lineup, barring the inexperience in the last two, you ask how are teams going to stop this batting lineup? Even a 200 to 200 becomes really difficult for teams to stop CSK."
The former off-spinner highlighted specific players who could make substantial impacts. "Even Jamie Overton is going great guns. Only the combination CSK decides to go with is to be seen. Ayush Mhatre, irrespective of what happens in the U-19 World Cup, will deliver in the IPL. CSK's batting is a tough one to stop. If they get the combination and momentum right, that is a batting lineup that's really going to make work very difficult for bowlers around the tournament."
The Significance of Dhoni's Potential Role Change
Should Ashwin's prediction materialize, Dhoni batting at No. 3 would represent one of the most intriguing tactical developments in recent IPL history. This move would leverage Dhoni's experience and power-hitting capabilities during the crucial Powerplay overs, potentially maximizing scoring opportunities while providing stability to CSK's top order.
The speculation comes at a pivotal moment for both Dhoni and CSK. After a disappointing previous season, the franchise appears committed to a strategic reset, assembling what Ashwin describes as a formidable batting arsenal. Dhoni's potential reinvention as a Powerplay enforcer could serve as the catalyst for CSK's resurgence in the competitive tournament landscape.
As training intensifies and the IPL 2026 season approaches, all eyes will remain on Dhoni's preparations and whether Ashwin's bold claim transforms into on-field reality for the Chennai Super Kings.
