Dhoni's role with the bat has largely been limited to late-order cameos in the last few seasons.
Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has shared his two cents on MS Dhoni's role for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL 2026 season.
With the Impact Player rule in place, Dhoni’s batting services have not been needed extensively over the past two editions. His role with the bat has largely been limited to late-order cameos.
The veteran wicketkeeper endured a relatively quiet and challenging IPL campaign as a batter last season, scoring 196 runs in 13 innings at an average of 24.50 and a strike rate of 135.17.
CSK’s squad for the 2026 season features three wicketkeeper batters. Sanju Samson has been traded from Rajasthan Royals in exchange of Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. There is also Urvil Patel in the lineup, in addition to the 14.20 crore recruit, Kartik Sharma.
Speaking on his YouTube show ‘Ash Ki Baat’, Ashwin backed Dhoni to keep wickets and bat at No. 7 for the five-time champions.
"I think Dhoni will have a critical role in supporting this new bowling line-up on the field. What happened last year with MS? I was also there last year. MS wanted to play the last three overs, but the top order did not score much, and he had to come in around the 10th to 12th overs. This time, they have added power in the top order to avoid this. Maybe this time, out of 14 games, he will get to bat higher only in 3-4 games; otherwise, he will only 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," Ashwin said.
"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. He 100 per cent believes he can contribute, and that's why MS is playing. Otherwise, he is the sort of guy who will not hang around.
"We are seeing his videos. He has been practising for the last three months. 'Mujhe khelna hai, aap ko jo bhi sochna hai socho' (I will play, you can think whatever you want). That is the message he is giving. I don't think he is your top-six batter, but he can play a double role. He can be a compass for Ruturaj. If he wouldn't be playing, he wouldn't be practising this hard. I think MS will keep wickets and will bat at No. 7," he explained.
Meanwhile, former India cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra has urged 44-year-old MS Dhoni to hang up his boots from the IPL if he is used as an Impact Player rather than a full-time player in the 2026 season.
Chennai Super Kings will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Rajasthan Royals on March 30 in Guwahati.