IPL 2026: Former CSK legend claims MS Dhoni might bat at No. 3

Former Chennai Super Kings cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has opined that MS Dhoni is all set to bat up the order in IPL 2026. The former CSK skipper has already begun practicing for IPL 2026.

Ashwin did not waste any time in expressing his take on Dhoni's probable batting position. Contrary to the popular belief, he felt that Dhoni may even come in at No. 3 and make the most of the powerplay rather than bat down the order.

"Dhoni looks set to play as he has already started practicing. He's looking fit. Some said he may not play in the XI or this might be his last season. But it looks like he got motivated seeing Imran Tahir. Looking at him, it doesn't look like he'll bat at No. 9. He looks like he'll come out to bat at No. 3 in the powerplay and be the enforcer, the way he has begun practice," shared Ashwin in a video on his YouTube channel.

Ashwin, who retired from the IPL in August 2025, felt CSK's batting lineup will be a tough one to crack for the opposition teams. He noted that restricting the Men in Yellow to a 200-run total could become a challenge for other franchises.

"They've scouted very well and boast a powerhouse of a batting lineup. Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Karthik Sharma and Prashant Veer is a batting lineup, barring the inexperience in the last two, you ask how are teams going to stop this batting lineup? Even a 200 becomes really difficult for teams to stop CSK to," he added.

CSK had a forgettable 2025 campaign. They finished rock bottom for the first time in their IPL history. Dhoni registered 196 runs in 13 innings at a strike rate of 135.17.

Not a lot went right for the team in general. They have not entered the playoffs after their title run in 2023. CSK will aim to deliver a much better IPL 2026.