Ashwin drops blunt verdict on MS Dhoni: ‘He shouldn’t play entire season if…’
Ravichandran Ashwin firmly believes MS Dhoni should start in Chennai Super Kings' playing XI if he's part of the squad, rejecting the Impact Player role. Ashwin emphasized Dhoni's unwavering self-belief and his crucial on-field guidance for new captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, highlighting his wicket-keeping and tactical acumen as vital contributions beyond just batting.
Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has weighed in on the ongoing debate around MS Dhoni’s role for Chennai Super Kings ahead of IPL 2026, making it clear that he is not in favour of the veteran being used as an Impact Player. With discussions intensifying over whether Dhoni should start in the XI or be utilised as a substitute, Ashwin took a firm stance, insisting that if Dhoni is part of the squad, he must feature in the playing XI. "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 said on 'Ash ki Baat'.
Ashwin further stressed that Dhoni’s presence automatically settles any selection debate, highlighting the former CSK captain’s belief in his own ability. "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% belief that he can play. He is practicing from the last three months.