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. 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,” he said.Ashwin also underlined that Dhoni’s contribution goes far beyond batting position, pointing to his tactical influence and leadership on the field, especially alongside skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad.“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 stated.With CSK reshaping their squad and leadership dynamics, Dhoni’s exact role remains a major talking point, but Ashwin’s view is clear—if he is in the squad, he should be on the field from the start.
