MS Dhoni to become CSK mentor, confirms Ravichandran Ashwin

MS Dhoni to become CSK mentor, confirms Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin Predicts MS Dhoni Could Become CSK Mentor in IPL 2027

Chennai Super Kings may be approaching a new chapter, and former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin believes MS Dhoni could be part of it in a different capacity. Ashwin has suggested that the veteran could take on a mentorship role in IPL 2027, as CSK reshape their leadership and coaching structure after several difficult seasons.

The prediction comes as questions grow around Dhoni’s playing future, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad’s role and the arrival of newly appointed head coach Zaheer Khan. How those three figures work together could become one of the defining stories of CSK’s next campaign.

CSK Face a Major Reset After Three Seasons Without Playoffs

CSK’s recent results have fallen short of the standards set during the franchise’s most successful years. The team finished last in IPL 2025 and placed eighth in IPL 2026, winning six of its 14 matches. It has now missed the playoffs for three consecutive seasons, prompting renewed scrutiny of its leadership and team-building decisions.

One of the biggest changes is the departure of long-time head coach Stephen Fleming, who had worked alongside Dhoni through CSK’s most successful period. Zaheer Khan has been appointed head coach ahead of IPL 2027, giving the franchise a new voice in the dugout while Gaikwad continues to lead the team on the field.

That transition raises a practical question: how will CSK balance the experience and influence of Dhoni with Gaikwad’s authority as captain and Zaheer’s responsibilities as coach? Ashwin believes the answer will be especially interesting to watch.

Ashwin Questions the Decision to Move on From Stephen Fleming

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin questioned whether CSK’s decision to part ways with Fleming was the right response to the team’s recent struggles. He argued that Fleming had adapted his approach to complement Dhoni’s leadership and had shown a willingness to work around the needs of the captain and squad.

“Fleming seemingly modified himself to fit in with Dhoni,” Ashwin said, describing the former coach as someone who adjusted to the team’s requirements. He added that it was surprising to conclude Fleming could not adapt to a new captain after Gaikwad had led CSK for a few seasons.

The partnership between Dhoni and Fleming produced all five of CSK’s IPL titles. Their long working relationship brought continuity to selection, tactics and team culture—qualities that were central to the franchise’s success. Gaikwad took over the captaincy ahead of IPL 2024, but the team has yet to return to the playoffs since that change.

CSK’s coaching move may be intended to bring fresh ideas, but a new appointment does not guarantee an immediate turnaround. The challenge for Zaheer will be to build on the franchise’s established strengths while helping the team respond to changing squad needs and a demanding IPL schedule.

How Could Dhoni, Zaheer and Gaikwad Work Together?

Ashwin expects Dhoni to remain influential even if he does not return as a regular player. In his view, the former captain could serve as a mentor, offering guidance to Gaikwad and supporting Zaheer as the coaching group settles into its new structure.

“With the new coaching staff, it’ll be interesting to watch the dynamic between Dhoni, Zaheer and Ruturaj Gaikwad,” Ashwin said. He suggested that the key question will be whether Gaikwad works closely with Zaheer or continues to seek advice from Dhoni, who has been central to CSK’s decision-making for years.

Dhoni and Zaheer already have a history together. They played alongside one another for India and were members of the squad that won the 2011 ODI World Cup. Zaheer also played under Dhoni at CSK during parts of the 2013–15 period and again in 2019. That shared experience could help them establish trust, although their responsibilities will be different in a coaching and mentorship setting.

Still, Ashwin cautioned against assuming that changing coaches alone will transform CSK’s fortunes. Results will depend on several factors, including player availability, recruitment, tactical planning and how effectively the new leadership group communicates.

Dhoni’s IPL 2027 Playing Future Remains Uncertain

Whether Dhoni will play in IPL 2027 is still unclear. He remained part of the CSK squad but missed the entire 2026 season after injuries, including calf, hamstring and thumb problems, kept him out of action. He will be close to 46 during the next campaign, making his fitness and role important questions for the franchise.

Dhoni’s record underlines why his presence remains valuable. Across 278 IPL matches, he has scored 5,439 runs at an average of 38.30 and a strike rate of 137.45, including 24 half-centuries. Beyond the numbers, his experience in high-pressure situations and understanding of the competition could benefit a younger squad—even if his contribution comes from the sidelines.

For CSK, the decision is not simply about whether Dhoni can play. The franchise must also consider squad balance, available retention slots and the money it needs to keep for the auction. Younger players such as Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer are part of the team’s future planning, and their development will need to be weighed alongside the value of retaining experienced figures.

What Ashwin’s Prediction Means for CSK’s Next Season

Ashwin’s prediction that Dhoni could become a mentor offers one possible path through CSK’s transition. Such a role could allow the former captain to share his knowledge without the physical demands of a full playing season, while giving Gaikwad the space to establish himself as the team’s leader.

For now, however, the arrangement remains uncertain. CSK must decide how much responsibility Dhoni will hold, how Zaheer will shape the coaching approach and how Gaikwad will lead a side looking to end its playoff drought. The answers will emerge as the franchise prepares for IPL 2027, but the leadership dynamic may prove just as important as its auction strategy.

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