NewKerala.com

Ashwin's CSK XI Revealed After Dhoni Injury Ruled Out for IPL Start

Ravichandran Ashwin has selected his ideal Chennai Super Kings playing XI for the start of IPL 2026, following news that MS Dhoni will miss the first two weeks due to a calf strain. His proposed lineup features Sanju Samson as wicketkeeper and opener alongside captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, with a mix of power hitters and all-rounders in the middle order. The bowling attack is built around spinners Akeal Hosein and Noor Ahmad, supported by pacers Matt Henry and Khaleel Ahmed. CSK will look to improve dramatically after finishing at the bottom of the table in the 2025 season.

Key Points: Ashwin Picks CSK XI for IPL 2026 Without Injured Dhoni

  • Dhoni ruled out with calf strain
  • Ashwin picks Samson as keeper-opener
  • CSK seeks rebound from 2025 bottom finish
  • New season begins March 30 vs RR
2 min read

IPL 2026: Ashwin picks CSK's playing XI after MS Dhoni's injury

Ravichandran Ashwin selects his Chennai Super Kings playing XI and Impact Player options after MS Dhoni is ruled out for IPL 2026's first two weeks.

"MS Dhoni is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a calf strain. - CSK Franchise Statement"

New Delhi, March 28

Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has picked his strongest playing XI with Impact Player options for the five-time champions Chennai Super Kings after their stalwart MS Dhoni was subsequently ruled out for the first two weeks of the Indian Premier League 2026, which will commence on Saturday.

"MS Dhoni is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a calf strain. As a result, he is likely to miss the first two weeks of IPL 2026," the franchise said in a statement.

Ashwin has gone with Sanju Samson as the wicketkeeper, and he will also open the innings with skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad.

The former CSK player has put three attacking batters in the next three spots, which include Urvil Patel at No. 3, batter Dewald Brevis at number four, followed by India's T20 World Cup 2026 all-rounder Shivam Dube at number five.

Ashwin has given two options for the number six position. His first choice is Sarfaraz Khan, while the other is India's U19 World Cup champion captain Ayush Mhatre. Former Indian spinner has ignored Prashant Veer and has selected Kartik Sharma for the number 7 spot.

In the bowling department, he has selected Akeal Hosein and Noor Ahmad as the main spinners, with Hosein also capable of contributing with the bat at number eight.

For the pace attack, Jaffer has gone with Matt Henry and Khaleel Ahmed.

Ashwin has provided four options for the Impact Player, which include Anshul Kamboj, Shreyas Gopal, Ramakrishna Ghosh, and Rahul Chahar.

CSK head into the new season after a disappointing 2025 campaign, where they finished at the bottom of the table, the worst result in the franchise's history. Known for their consistency and strong performances over the years, the team's poor showing came as a surprise to fans.

Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Rajasthan Royals on March 30 at Baraspara Stadium in Guwahati.

Ashwin's CSK playing XI:

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.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Interesting team selection by Ashwin Anna. But I respectfully disagree on ignoring Prashant Veer. He had a fantastic domestic season and brings that X-factor. Kartik Sharma at 7? That's a very long tail if the top order fails.
S
Sarah B
As a neutral fan, this looks like a very aggressive batting lineup on paper. Brevis and Dube in the middle could be devastating. But the real test will be how they handle pressure without Dhoni's calming presence in those close finishes.
V
Vikram M
Whistle Podu! 🎉 The team looks good for a fresh start after last year's disaster. Ruturaj's captaincy will be under the microscope. Hope the young players like Urvil and Ayush grab their chance. Missing Dhoni bhai will be emotional for fans in the stadium.
R
Rohit P
Two overseas spinners? In Indian conditions, maybe one would suffice. Could have used that slot for a power-hitting finisher or a death overs specialist pacer. The Impact Player options are solid though. Anshul Kamboj could be a surprise package.
K
Kavya N
Get well soon, Mahi bhai! 🙏 This is Ruturaj's team now, and he has to lead from the front. Good to see Sarfaraz Khan getting a look-in, he deserves it after his Test exploits. The season starts in Guwahati, hope the pitch supports this combination.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50