R Ashwin says MS Dhoni will likely become CSK mentor for IPL 2027
Ashwin believes Dhoni will shift into a mentorship role under new head coach Zaheer Khan.
Ravichandran Ashwin has said MS Dhoni will likely take on a mentorship role at Chennai Super Kings after Zaheer Khan was appointed head coach. Ashwin made the comments on his YouTube channel while discussing the franchise's coaching changes.
CSK finished eighth in IPL 2026 and parted ways with Stephen Fleming after 18 years as head coach. Ashwin expressed surprise at the decision, noting that Fleming had adapted his approach to suit Dhoni's leadership. He said the dynamic between Dhoni, Zaheer Khan and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad will be worth watching.
Dhoni missed the entire 2026 season due to injury. Zaheer Khan previously mentored Lucknow Super Giants and played 100 IPL matches for Mumbai Indians, Delhi Daredevils and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. CSK's management wanted an Indian coach this time.
CricHubb Take
The appointment of Zaheer Khan marks CSK's first attempt to separate the captain-coach relationship that defined their five titles, testing whether the franchise's culture can survive without Dhoni's direct involvement on the field.