Ashwin doesn't agree with MS Dhoni as Impact Player in IPL: ‘If he doesn't want to play, he shouldn't feature at all'

Amid the ongoing debate around MS Dhoni’s role in the IPL, veteran India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin offered a clear and firm take on the matter.

Updated on: Mar 26, 2026, 16:58:05 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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MS Dhoni’s return to the IPL has once again set off plenty of chatter, this time around how he might be used by Chennai Super Kings. There is curiosity over whether he will feature as an Impact Player or continue in his usual role behind the stumps. Dhoni has managed a troublesome knee over the past couple of seasons, and with his career nearing its final phase, questions around his workload and role are only growing louder ahead of the new season.

MS Dhoni will once again return in CSK's yellow jersey for IPL 2026. (PTI)

Dhoni had a relatively quiet IPL 2025, batting lower down the order in almost every game, which raised a few questions. He finished with 196 runs from 14 matches, averaging 24.50 at a strike rate of 135.17. Most of his outings came late in the innings, where he was used to add quick runs in the closing overs and give the team a final push when required.

Amid the ongoing debate around Dhoni’s role in the IPL, veteran India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin offered a clear and firm take on the matter. He questioned the idea of using Dhoni as an Impact Player, stressing that a player of his stature should either be fully involved or not feature at all.

"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'.

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“Dhoni will have a critical role to support CSK's new bowling line-up”

Expanding further on Dhoni’s role, the former CSK spinner shared his view on how the veteran could be used this season. He pointed to Dhoni’s importance behind the stumps and in guiding the side, while also explaining how the team’s batting structure could shape when he comes out to bat.

"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.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

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