Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has poured cold water on hopes of MS Dhoni returning for Chennai Super Kings’ marquee IPL 2026 showdown against Mumbai Indians at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Saturday. Dhoni has been sidelined for the entire season so far while he recovers from a calf injury, leaving fans waiting for his return to one of the tournament’s most intense rivalries.
Earlier, CSK batting coach Michael Hussey had suggested Dhoni was “pretty close” to making a comeback, which sparked a wave of optimism in the stands. But Ashwin believes the veteran wicketkeeper-batter is unlikely to be ready for a high-pressure contest at Chepauk.
Quick facts
- Ravichandran Ashwin expects MS Dhoni to miss CSK’s IPL 2026 clash vs Mumbai Indians.
- Dhoni has not played this season due to a calf injury.
- Dhoni’s potential return was previously hinted at by CSK batting coach Michael Hussey.
- Ashwin also suggests Rohit Sharma may remain unavailable because of a hamstring injury.
- Ashwin believes Suryakumar Yadav has a strong chance to regain form with the pitch expected to suit batting.
- Ashwin wants Sarfaraz Khan to be kept at No. 3 for CSK after Ayush Mhatre is ruled out by injury.
Ashwin said he is not certain about Rohit Sharma’s availability, but he does not expect Dhoni to be at “100 percent.” He also noted that Dhoni can still surprise because of his unique match temperament, yet feels the likelihood of him playing is low.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin delivered the key message: “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 then added that Rohit is also likely to sit out the contest, while pointing to a potential opportunity for Suryakumar Yadav. Ashwin believes the Mumbai Indians batter could benefit from the conditions, arguing that he may not get a better surface to bat on than the one on offer at Chepauk.
Ashwin’s view was straightforward: “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.” In his assessment, the Chepauk track could be particularly favourable for batting, giving players who have struggled a chance to rebuild confidence.
Why Ashwin wants Sarfaraz at No. 3
Ashwin also turned his attention to Chennai’s batting structure, advocating for stability in the No. 3 slot. With Ayush Mhatre ruled out of the tournament due to injury, Ashwin believes CSK should persist with Sarfaraz Khan in that position.
He argued that Sarfaraz has been among CSK’s standout performers this season and should not be treated as an “impact” option. Ashwin’s stance was that the franchise must lock in Sarfaraz at No. 3 to maintain consistency in its top order.
“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.
