Ashwin Speaks Out: 'This is Not Dhoni’s CSK' After Shock IPL 2026 Exit
Ashwin Speaks Out: 'This is Not Dhoni’s CSK' After Shock IPL 2026 Exit
Ravichandran Ashwin breaks down Chennai Super Kings' recent struggles, highlighting why the current squad lacks the lethal experience of the MS Dhoni era.
Veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has delivered a blunt assessment of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) following their exit from IPL 2026, stating emphatically that the current squad is a far cry from the legendary teams led by MS Dhoni. Ashwin emphasized that while the franchise has embraced young talent, it has lost the 'lethal combination' of experience and variety that once made them invincible. He noted that experience remains irreplaceable in a tournament as demanding as the IPL, urging fans to temper their expectations for an immediate turnaround.
According to Ashwin, the team's struggles are partly due to a squad composition that no longer suits the unique conditions at Chepauk. He pointed out that batting successfully in Chennai requires a level of 'attritional batting' and patience, traits displayed by former stars like Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, and Michael Hussey. 'You don’t have a wicket to hit through the line like this,' Ashwin observed, suggesting that the current focus on power-hitting may not be the right fit for their home ground.
While Ashwin found a silver lining in Shivam Dube’s positive batting and the technical potential of youngster Kartik Sharma, he remained realistic about the future. He noted that this transition away from the Dhoni era will take time, remarking that 'success will come, but it will come slowly.' This exit marks the third consecutive season where the five-time champions have failed to reach their former heights, signaling a significant shift in the landscape of the league.
