IPL 2026: Ashwin on Dhoni’s Decision to Stay Back

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend MS Dhoni has decided not to travel with the team for their match against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Guwahati. Dhoni is currently sidelined due to a calf strain and typically travels with the squad even when injured, but this time he chose to remain in Chennai.

Ravichandran Ashwin, Dhoni’s former teammate, stated that it was Dhoni’s personal choice. “Mahi usually doesn’t do this. If he is part of the team, he travels. Maybe he’s focusing on his recovery. But we can’t comment on his decision. The fans are still excited about the game,” Ashwin said in a YouTube video.

With Dhoni out for at least two weeks, Sanju Samson is expected to make his CSK debut as wicketkeeper. Samson was recently traded from RR to CSK ahead of IPL 2026.

Dhoni’s future in the IPL has been a topic of discussion. After leading CSK to victory in 2023, he underwent knee surgery and has been batting lower down the order recently. Overall, Dhoni has played 278 IPL matches, scoring 5439 runs with 24 half-centuries.

Ashwin suggested that Samson could bat at No.3. He also mentioned other potential batting combinations and highlighted CSK’s need for an off-spinner given RR’s strong lineup.

The CSK team, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, missed the IPL 2025 playoffs after finishing 10th with only eight points.

After facing RR, CSK will play Punjab Kings in Chennai on April 3 and then take on defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in Bengaluru on April 5.