Former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has hinted that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) icon MS Dhoni could take up a mentorship role at the franchise during the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin opened up about the interesting dynamics that could take shape at CSK following the arrival of Zaheer Khan as head coach. CSK finished eighth in IPL 2026 with 12 points, missing out on a place in the playoffs for a third straight season. Dhoni didn’t play a single game due to injury.
“With the new coaching staff, it’ll be interesting to watch the dynamic between Dhoni, Zaheer and Ruturaj Gaikwad. Dhoni will likely be the mentor. So how Gaikwad works with Zaheer, or whether he goes to Dhoni, will be interesting to see,” said Ashwin.
MS Dhoni Sakshi spotted at airport https://t.co/y18SjROn01
— (@mostlydhoni78) October 16, 2026
Ashwin also spoke about the departure of long-serving head coach Stephen Fleming, whose partnership with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad did not yield the same success that he enjoyed alongside MS Dhoni.
“Fleming seemingly modified himself to fit in with Dhoni. He made himself the perfect fingers to fit into Dhoni’s gloves. So it is surprising to see CSK decide that Fleming couldn’t adapt himself to a new captain after two to three years. Fleming’s modus operandi is to fit in based on the needs of the team and captain,” he added.
Meanwhile, Zaheer pipped former India batter Hemang Badani for the top job at CSK, following the latter’s poor run of results with Delhi Capitals over the past two years.
Left Arm “Taking” Over! Welcoming Zaheer Khan as the Head Coach of Chennai Super Kings! #WhistlePodu #Yellove
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) September 21, 2026
CSK’s management, comprising Dhoni, Gaikwad and owner Rupa Gurunath, wanted an Indian coach this time.
Zaheer had mentored the Lucknow Super Giants during the 2024 season. He was also previously associated with the Mumbai Indians.
In the IPL, Zaheer played 100 matches for teams such as Mumbai Indians, Delhi Daredevils, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
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