R Ashwin supplies huge replace on MS Dhoni’s availability for CSK vs MI IPL 2026 match

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend Ravichandran Ashwin has shared a massive update regarding MS Dhoni’s availability for the clash against Mumbai Indians (MI) at MA Chidambaram Stadium on Saturday, May 2. The legendary off-spinner believes that the five-time IPL-winning captain will continue to sit out of the tournament.

The remarks came even as the legendary wicketkeeper was seen hitting big shots in the nets on the eve of the game. The 44-year-old hasn’t played a single game for CSK this season due to a knee injury.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said:

“I don’t know about Rohit Sharma, but Dhoni won’t play 100 percent, I don’t think so. He can surprise as well because he’s that kind of guy, but I don’t think Dhoni will play.”

The 39-year-old added that Rohit Sharma is also unlikely to play after missing four games in a row due to a hamstring injury. He continued:

“I think Rohit will also not play, but it is a good chance for Suryakumar Yadav to come back in form because he’ll not get a better wicket for batting.”

Notably, MI captain Hardik Pandya has already confirmed that Rohit Sharma would miss two games while doing the toss formalities against the SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the last game.

Ashwin further urged the Super Kings to lock Sarfaraz Khan to the No. 3 spot as Ayush Mhatre has been ruled out of IPL 2026. He further added that the hosts have an upper hand over Mumbai, stressing that a win would help the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led team stay in the fray for a place in the playoffs.

“I am saying just one thing, Chennai should lock Sarfaraz Khan to No. 3. Don’t keep him in impact because he has been your best batter this season apart from Sanju Samson. So, fix him at No. 3. If you lose wickets early, then use Akeal Hosein or any other lower-order batters who can bat.

“Don’t waste your middle-order batters. Mumbai has a very good opportunity to try one or two youngsters. They have an opportunity to try one or two new guys and Chennai to continue their combination. If Chennai wins, then there is a possibility to make it tight. My edge is Chennai: Mumbai at 52-48.”

Sarfaraz Khan has scored 161 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 169.47, including a half-century. He is only behind CSK openers Sanju Samson (304 runs), Ruturaj Gaikwad (178), and Ayush Mhatre (201).

“They have to bowl well” – R Ashwin on MI’s chances against CSK in IPL 2026 match

R Ashwin further urged MI to produce a good bowling display against CSK if they want to return to winning ways in IPL 2026. The remarks came as the SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) chased down 244 against the Hardik Pandya-led side with eight balls to spare in their last game at Wankhede Stadium.

Ashwin said in the same interaction with journalist Vimal Kumar:

“CSK have six points, and MI have four points. There is a lot of pressure on Chennai, but Mumbai don’t have that much pressure as far as I am concerned. Because I don’t think Mumbai are in any firing order, they are not bowling well, neither are they able to put enough scores on the board. Chennai can bat and bowl as well and win this game.

“But if Mumbai wants to win this game, they have to bowl well anyhow. They have to find a way to restrict the opposition to 180-190. If they can do it, then maybe they have a good chance. I think the par score is between 200 and 210. Chennai will be the favorites for this game.”

With three wins in eight games, CSK are seventh in the IPL 2026 points table. Meanwhile, MI have managed two victories in eight games. As a result, they are placed second-last in the table. When the two teams last met, the Super Kings thrashed MI by 103 runs at Wankhede on April 23. Thus, Mumbai will be keen to avenge their defeat against Chennai.