Ravichandran Ashwin questions Chennai Super Kings’ batting order amid struggles in IPL 2026

Former Team India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed concerns about the Chennai Super Kings’ batting order, specifically highlighting that Shivam Dube is not a suitable finisher for the team. Ashwin pointed out that Dube is better suited to a middle-order enforcer role rather than batting in the final overs. The ₹12 crore star has scored 123 runs in six matches at an average of 41.00 and a strike rate of 150.00, but Ashwin believes he lacks the experience needed to consistently perform the demanding role of a finisher.

“Dube is not a finisher. In the Indian team, he batted in the lower middle-order in the games they did not use against spin. He played a support role to Hardik Pandya in the end overs. But he is not your bonafide finisher. He can grow into that role as a finisher, but as of now, he isn’t,” Ashwin said.

Ashwin further emphasized that Chennai Super Kings should use Shivam Dube and Dewald Brevis earlier in the innings, rather than holding them back to use them as finishers. He criticized the management for not using their spin-hitters effectively in the recent match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, where the team required just 83 runs from the last 10 overs but failed to chase the target.

Dube struggled in the final overs of the match, failing to guide CSK to victory. Ashwin suggested that Dube and Brevis should be used to finish the match earlier, rather than relying on them as finishers. He believes that Dube is batting well and should be playing a significant role in the team’s innings.

Overall, Ashwin is questioning the Chennai Super Kings’ batting order and strategy, particularly in regards to Shivam Dube’s role in the team. He is calling for a change in approach, using Dube and Brevis earlier in the innings to capitalize on their skills and potentially changing the team’s fortunes in IPL 2026.