IPL 2026: 'MS Dhoni can surprise' - R Ashwin gives major update before CSK vs MI

NEW DELHI: Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has ruled out MS Dhoni’s return for Chennai Super Kings’ big IPL 2026 clash against Mumbai Indians at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Saturday.

Dhoni has not played a single game this season because he is recovering from a calf injury, and fans were hoping he would finally return for one of the tournament’s biggest rivalries.

Earlier, CSK batting coach Michael Hussey had said Dhoni was “pretty close” to returning, which raised excitement among supporters.

However, Ashwin feels the former India captain is unlikely to feature in the match. He also believes Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma, who is recovering from a hamstring injury, may continue to remain unavailable.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said, “I don’t know about Rohit Sharma, but Dhoni won’t play 100 percent, I don’t think so. He can surprise as well because he’s that kind of guy, but I don’t think Dhoni will play.”

He further added, “I think Rohit will also not play, but it is a good chance for Suryakumar Yadav to come back in form because he’ll not get a better wicket for batting.” Ashwin believes the Chepauk pitch could be excellent for batting, giving struggling batters like Suryakumar a strong chance to regain confidence.

Ashwin backs Sarfaraz Khan at No. 3

Apart from discussing injuries, Ashwin also shared his thoughts on Chennai Super Kings’ batting order. He said CSK should continue giving Sarfaraz Khan a fixed role at No. 3 after Ayush Mhatre was ruled out of the tournament because of injury.

According to Ashwin, Sarfaraz has been one of Chennai’s best performers this season and deserves stability in the lineup.

“I am saying just one thing, Chennai should lock Sarfaraz Khan to No. 3. Don’t keep him in impact because he has been your best batter this season apart from Sanju Samson. So, fix him at No. 3,” Ashwin said.

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