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

Samson to Keep Wickets, Open with Gaikwad

Ashwin has opted for Sanju Samson as the wicketkeeper, who will also open the innings alongside skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad.

The former CSK spinner has packed the middle order with attacking options, naming Urvil Patel at No. 3, Dewald Brevis at No. 4, and India’s T20 World Cup 2026 all-rounder Shivam Dube at No. 5.

Middle Order Flexibility, Spin-Heavy Attack

For the No. 6 position, Ashwin has given two options — Sarfaraz Khan or U19 World Cup-winning captain Ayush Mhatre. He has chosen Kartik Sharma at No. 7.

In the spin department, Akeal Hosein and Noor Ahmad have been picked as key options, with Hosein also contributing with the bat.

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

Impact Player Options Named

Ashwin has suggested four players as Impact Player choices — Anshul Kamboj, Shreyas Gopal, Ramakrishna Ghosh, and Rahul Chahar.

CSK enter the new season after a disappointing 2025 campaign, where they finished at the bottom of the table — their worst-ever result.

The Gaikwad-led side will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Rajasthan Royals on March 30 at the 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