Every time MS Dhoni decides to come back for another season of IPL, debates around MS Dhoni’s batting order start all over again, with more and more vigour. IPL 2026 has been no different. Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin recently reignited the debate after watching Dhoni’s serious training sessions in recent times, suggesting the CSK legend may be preparing to bat way higher up the order this season. With Dhoni confirmed to play IPL 2026, Ashwin’s suggestion that Dhoni could bat at No. 3 during the powerplay adds an intriguing twist to MS Dhoni’s batting order and to how Chennai Super Kings might shape their season.
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Why Dhoni’s IPL 2025 Batting Position Drew Criticism?
The controversy around Dhoni’s role in IPL 2025 stemmed from his late arrival at the crease in key matches, often when the game had already tilted against CSK, leaving little time to make an impact. The most debated instance was his batting at No.9 in a high-pressure chase, which puzzled fans and former players. Many felt the batting order of CSK failed to fully utilise Dhoni’s experience, as earlier cameos could have steadied the innings.
CSK’s management defended their approach by highlighting Dhoni’s physical condition and overall workload. At this stage of his career, his knees require careful management, while his wicketkeeping duties already place significant physical demands on him. The team’s thinking was to use Dhoni in short, high-impact bursts rather than prolonged innings. Viewed this way, the batting order of CSK in 2025 was driven by pragmatism over sentiment. Dhoni was seen as a finisher capable of quick runs, not long stays. Still, his No.9 entry did not sit well with many observers.
Related Article：MS Dhoni’s IPL 2026 Decision Proves Thala Ain’t Hanging Up His Gloves Yet
Ashwin’s No.3 Suggestion：A Radical Rethink
Ravichandran Ashwin’s comments on the matter provided a contrasting view. Ravichandran Ashwin, after seeing Dhoni train hard, indicated that the former CSK skipper looked too good to be relegated to the lower end of the order. His suggestion that Dhoni bat at No. 3 in the powerplay drew immediate attention.
Yellow Pads.. 👀
Thala nation, it’s that time of the year!!!!! 🥳🔥 #WhistlePodu
🎥 : Jharkhand cricket association pic.twitter.com/DEbOpEFQ4m— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) January 24, 2026
Ashwin had a simple thinking process of his own when he decided that a motivated MS Dhoni, batting early, would be able to exploit the restrictions of the field and dictate the pace of the game instead of being at the receiving end of it. MS Dhoni, already confirmed to take part in IPL 2026, this would be a bold move and not a farewell tour kind of thing.
Does No.3 Suit Dhoni at This Stage?
The concept of Dhoni batting at number 3 looks exciting, but there are several legitimate apprehensions associated with it. The only batting position where Dhoni has not frequently got the chance to bat in the IPL so far, and where he averages merely fifty, requires a different skillset entirely. Handling the new ball, rotating the strike, and forming partnerships are all different from what Dhoni is best at.
Thala 🆚 AK
A fierce face-off! 🔥🦁#WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/c8cv9OyC6l— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) January 29, 2026
This said and done, the greatest strength of Dhoni lies in his adaptability. If the batting order of MS Dhoni needs to be made flexible rather than being made an innate quality, the No. 3 slot could be useful on slow pitches. Also, it could keep him from arriving too late to influence games.
The squad for IPL 2026 is filled with batting depth, so there is a much better likelihood of Ravichandran Ashwin’s suggestion becoming a reality. With the solidity of Ruturaj Gaikwad at number one, the team also has pace manufacturers like Dewald Brevis and Ayush Mhatre. Even more depth is ensured with the inclusion of Samson.
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This level of depth will allow the batting order of CSK to be flexible. This is because, with several all-rounders and keeper-batsmen in the playing XI, Dhoni will not have to bat long if he bats at No.3, as he can establish himself before others take over. Moreover, there is an emotional angle to this because with MS Dhoni confirmed to play IPL 2026, this edition is likely to be his swansong, and every decision will be seen in the context of leaving a legacy. For CSK, balancing emotion with tactics is critical. The promotion of Dhoni could be seen as a tactical move as well as a move of trust.
Conclusion：One Last Adjustment Before the Final Goodbye
As the prospect of IPL 2026 draws closer, the conversation around MS Dhoni’s batting order holds both sporting significance and strong emotional value. Whether it is a surprise appearance at No.3, a role in the middle order, or his customary late-innings cameo, every possibility is being keenly discussed and eagerly anticipated by fans and analysts alike.
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Given that MS Dhoni confirmed to play IPL 2026, CSK have an opportunity to utilise him one last time in an innovative way, making the most of his experience and cricketing instincts. If it indeed is MS Dhoni’s farewell season, any alteration to the batting order of CSK, as in the past, will not be aimed at nostalgia and providing fans one more MS Dhoni moment to cherish.
