IPL 2026: ‘If he’s in the squad, he should play entire season’ - Ex-CSK bowler backs MS Dhoni against Impact Player role

Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin shared a strong opinion on veteran MS Dhoni’s potential role as an Impact Player in the Indian Premier League 2026. Ahead of the season, there has been speculation that Dhoni could be used in the Impact Player role, but the off-spinner expressed his disagreement with the idea.

Ashwin stated that the wicketkeeper-batter has a crucial role to play on the field, particularly in guiding the bowlers and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. He also added that the team has strengthened its batting lineup, which could see Dhoni bat much lower down the order.

"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 'Ash ki Baat'.

"I think Dhoni will have a critical role to support this new bowling line-up on the field. I was also there last year. MS wants that he plays the last three overs. But the top order did not score many times and he had to go up. 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, or else he will only come in the end. His biggest role will be in keeping, setting the field, and giving a shoulder to Ruturaj," he added.

Ashwin reckoned that if Dhoni is part of the squad, he should play without any doubt. He added that if the legendary cricketer no longer had the desire to compete, he would have already retired. Ashwin also revealed that he observed some of CSK’s practice sessions where Sanju Samson was seen fielding, indirectly suggesting that Dhoni is likely to take up wicketkeeping duties.

"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 will retire. He has100% belief that he can play. He has been practicing for the last three months. He is giving the message that I want to play, you think whatever you want. If he wants to play, it is not possible to go tell him you can't play. 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.

"I went to watch the practice one day and Samson was fielding. So, thinking of all this, I feel MS will keep wickets and probably bat at seven. If you want to send him at the top, send Dhoni in the powerplay. But again, it totally depends on him. He cannot play the middle overs, but he can surely give you finishing touches. Last year also I saw him from close quarters, he is still able to hit those big shots. Maybe he is not the same player, but he is definitely putting in the effort," he added.