IPL 2026: Ashwin Reveals CSK's Lineup After Dhoni's Injury
Synopsis
As IPL 2026 nears, former cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has unveiled his preferred playing XI for CSK, with MS Dhoni sidelined due to injury. Discover the lineup and impact player options ahead of the season opener against Rajasthan Royals.
Key Takeaways
MS Dhoni will miss the start of IPL 2026 due to injury.
Ravichandran Ashwin has selected a strong playing XI for CSK.
CSK aims to bounce back after a poor performance in 2025.
The team will face Rajasthan Royals in their opening match.
Impact Player options have been strategically chosen.
New Delhi, March 28 (NationPress) Former Indian cricket star Ravichandran Ashwin has announced his ideal playing XI with Impact Player options for the five-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK), following the news that their legendary captain MS Dhoni will be unable to participate for the first two weeks of IPL 2026, which is set to kick off on Saturday.
According to a statement from the franchise, MS Dhoni is presently undergoing recovery for a calf strain and is expected to miss the initial weeks of the tournament.
Ashwin has selected Sanju Samson to take on the wicketkeeper role, who will open the batting alongside captain Ruturaj Gaikwad.
The former CSK player has chosen three aggressive batsmen for the next three positions: Urvil Patel at No. 3, followed by Dewald Brevis at No. 4, and India’s T20 World Cup 2026 all-rounder Shivam Dube at No. 5.
For the sixth position, Ashwin has two candidates in mind: his first preference is Sarfaraz Khan, with Ayush Mhatre, the captain of India’s U19 World Cup-winning team, as the alternative. In the seventh position, he has opted for Kartik Sharma, leaving out Prashant Veer.
In the bowling lineup, Ashwin has picked Akeal Hosein and Noor Ahmad as the primary spinners, noting that Hosein can also bat at the number eight spot.
For pace, Jaffer has selected Matt Henry and Khaleel Ahmed.
Additionally, Ashwin has provided four potential Impact Player options: Anshul Kamboj, Shreyas Gopal, Ramakrishna Ghosh, and Rahul Chahar.
CSK approaches the new season following a disappointing 2025 performance, where they finished last in the table—marking the worst outcome in the franchise's history. Known for their consistency and strong performances over the years, the team’s struggles came as a shock to fans.
The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led squad will kick off their IPL 2026 journey against the Rajasthan Royals on March 30 at the Baraspara Stadium in Guwahati.
Ashwin's predicted CSK lineup:
Sanju Samson (wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Urvil Patel, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Sarfaraz Khan/Ayush Mhatre, Kartik Sharma, Akeal Hosein, Noor Ahmad, Matt Henry, Khaleel Ahmed
Impact Player: Anshul Kamboj/Shreyas Gopal/Ramakrishna Ghosh/Rahul Chahar.
Point of View
The absence of MS Dhoni due to injury raises questions about CSK's performance. Ravichandran Ashwin's insights on the team's lineup reflect a strategic approach to adapt and overcome challenges, highlighting the depth of talent within the squad.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is MS Dhoni out for IPL 2026?
MS Dhoni is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a calf strain, which will prevent him from participating in the first two weeks of IPL 2026.
Who has Ravichandran Ashwin picked for CSK's playing XI?
Ashwin's selected XI includes Sanju Samson as wicketkeeper, Ruturaj Gaikwad as captain, and a mix of attacking batsmen and bowlers.
When does CSK start their IPL 2026 campaign?
CSK will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against the Rajasthan Royals on March 30 at Baraspara Stadium in Guwahati.
What are the Impact Player options for CSK?
Ashwin has listed Anshul Kamboj, Shreyas Gopal, Ramakrishna Ghosh, and Rahul Chahar as potential Impact Players for CSK.
How did CSK perform in IPL 2025?
CSK had a disappointing 2025 season, finishing at the bottom of the table, marking their worst performance in franchise history.
