IPL 2026: MS Dhoni Will Get New Role At CSK, Ashwin Makes BIG Revelation On Former Team India Captain

New Delhi: Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni has started preparing for IPL 2026. On Saturday, the Jharkhand State Cricket Association shared a video on social media of MS Dhoni putting on his pads and holding a bat. It has been five years since MS Dhoni retired from international cricket, but fans are still eager to catch a glimpse of him on the field.

After retiring from international cricket, Dhoni has played six seasons for Chennai and has now started preparing for the next IPL season. Many believe that Dhoni will not be seen playing much this season as Chennai has included Sanju Samson as a wicketkeeper-batsman, although former spinner Ashwin has given a contradictory statement.

What did Ashwin say about MS Dhoni?

Former Indian cricketer R Ashwin has made a big claim, saying that Dhoni might be seen in a new role for Chennai Super Kings in the upcoming season. Ashwin said on his YouTube channel, "Dhoni is ready to play, he has started practicing. He looks fit. Someone said that maybe he won't play in the final XI or this might be his last season. But it seems he has been motivated by seeing Imran Tahir.”

“It doesn't look like he will bat at number nine. He (MS Dhoni) looks like he will come to bat at number 3 in the powerplay and play a crucial role, given the way he has started practicing," Ashwin added.

What did the Jharkhand State Cricket Association say on MS Dhoni’s video?

Another caption accompanying the video shared by the Jharkhand State Cricket Association read, "JSCA's pride: Mahendra Singh Dhoni". Before the net session, Dhoni was also seen interacting with former India and Jharkhand batsman and JSCA official Saurabh Tiwary. The IPL 2026 'window' (dates of the tournament) has been finalized, which will run from March 26 to May 31.

Dhoni retired from international cricket in 2020 but is still active in the IPL. Ruturaj Gaikwad is currently captaining the Chennai Super Kings, but Dhoni remains a crucial part of the team. Since 2008, Dhoni has scored 5,439 runs in 278 IPL matches at an average of 38.30 and a strike rate of 137.45. During this time, he has scored 24 half-centuries, with his highest individual score being an unbeaten 84 runs.