R Ashwin reveals MS Dhoni will likely to be Chennai Super Kings' mentor in IPL 2027 ABSTE

The landscape of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has undergone a big shift since its inception, and one of its most celebrated franchises Chennai Super Kings (CSK), is undergoing a massive transitional phase. Following a string of underwhelming campaigns that starkly contrasted their historical dominance, the franchise has initiated a sweeping restructuring of its leadership and support setup. Amid these sweeping changes, veteran Indian star Ravichandran Ashwin has dropped a massive revelation regarding the future of talismanic icon MS Dhoni, predicting that the legendary former captain will transition into a formal mentorship role for the upcoming IPL 2027 season.

R Ashwin on MS Dhoni’s new role amid CSK's coaching staff overhaul

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin analyzed the changing dynamics within the CSK camp following major announcements regarding the franchise's coaching setup. With long-standing head coach Stephen Fleming parting ways with the franchise after a disappointing 2026 campaign, CSK moved swiftly to install former India pace spearhead Zaheer Khan as their new head coach. Additionally, former India pacer Mohit Sharma has been brought in as the new bowling coach, while long-time batting coach Michael Hussey has also departed, making room for fresh faces in the dugout.

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According to Ashwin, these heavy structural adjustments point directly toward a brand-new operational framework on the field. With Dhoni steering many of these big-picture decisions behind the scenes alongside the franchise management, Ashwin noted that Dhoni is expected to step into a formal mentor capacity.

"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," Ashwin said.

"It is clear that Dhoni is doing all the decision-making in terms of the new coaches. However, we can't be certain that by changing the coaches, CSK's fortunes will change," he added.

Ashwin also expressed surprise at CSK parting ways with Fleming, the tactical mastermind behind all five of their title-winning campaigns alongside Dhoni, noting that Fleming had historically molded himself to fit effortlessly into Dhoni’s leadership glove. The emergence of a Zaheer Khan-led coaching staff working alongside captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, with Dhoni providing overarching guidance from the sidelines or bench as a mentor, marks a completely new era for the Super Kings.

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Uncertainty surrounding Dhoni’s future

MS Dhoni’s exact participation on the field for IPL 2027 continues to be a subject of intense speculation. The veteran wicketkeeper-batter missed the entire 2026 season due to a combination of persistent calf, hamstring, and thumb injuries that flared up during practice sessions, forcing him to watch from the dugout.

As he approaches his 46th birthday, questions persist over whether he will pads up to play or strictly transition into an off-field operational and mentorship role. While Ruturaj Gaikwad remains firmly installed as the team’s designated captain, having Dhoni present in the dressing room, whether as an active player or an official mentor—remains invaluable for tactical clarity.

CSK's slump after fifth IPL title, a look at recent seasons

The urgency behind CSK’s dramatic coaching overhaul and tactical re-evaluation stems from a sharp slump in performance. Ever since lifting their fifth IPL title in 2023 under Dhoni’s inspirational captaincy, the Super Kings have struggled to maintain their aura of invincibility, missing out on the playoffs for three consecutive seasons.

IPL 2024: Following Dhoni’s decision to hand over the captaincy reins to Ruturaj Gaikwad right before the start of the season, CSK started brightly but stumbled down the stretch. In a nail-biting finish to the league stage, they missed out on a top-four qualification spot after losing a high-stakes encounter to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), finishing fifth on the points table with 7 wins and 7 losses from 14 matches.

IPL 2025: The following season proved even more testing. An injury to regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad further disrupted the team's balance. Plagued by inconsistent batting displays and an inability to close out tight matches, CSK suffered a dismal run, culminating in a last-place finish (10th position) on the points table.

IPL 2026: Seeking redemption, the team underwent another difficult campaign. With Dhoni sidelined due to injury for the entirety of the tournament, CSK managed only 6 wins out of their 14 league fixtures, accumulating 12 points and ending the season down in 8th place. Failing to qualify for the playoffs for three successive years prompted the franchise management to pull the plug on the old setup.

How a mentorship role can revive CSK

By bringing in a sharp cricketing brain like Zaheer Khan as head coach and leveraging MS Dhoni’s tactical genius through a dedicated mentor role, CSK is attempting to bridge the gap between youthful energy and seasoned wisdom. Underperforming units often struggle with high-pressure moments and continuity in strategy; having Dhoni guide young leader Ruturaj Gaikwad alongside Zaheer can restore the clinical composure that once defined the franchise.

MS Dhoni’s illustrious records for CSK

Regardless of what capacity Dhoni serves in for IPL 2027, his legacy as a player and leader for CSK remains unmatched in league history. Across his illustrious career with the franchise:

He has played a total of 278 IPL matches, spanning his time with CSK and a brief stint with Rising Pune Supergiant. The former captain has accumulated 5,439 runs at an impressive average of 38.30 and a strike rate of 137.45. He has smashed 24 half-centuries, often mastering the art of finishing matches in the death overs.

Under his leadership, CSK secured five IPL titles (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023) and reached the final on multiple other occasions, establishing them as one of the most successful franchises in T20 cricket history.

As CSK gear up for IPL 2027 with a revamped support staff and a new strategic direction, Dhoni’s expected transition into a mentor might just be the exact catalyst the franchise needs to escape its recent slump.