MS Dhoni needs to bat higher than No.8 for CSK in IPL 2026: Pujara
India Today
Cheteshwar Pujara feels MS Dhoni should bat higher for CSK in IPL 2026. The former India batter believes the Chennai Super Kings legend can still change matches if he gets more time at the crease.
Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara believes MS Dhoni should bat higher up the order for Chennai Super Kings in the upcoming Indian Premier League 2026 season. Pujara feels Dhoni’s impact could be far greater if he is given more time at the crease instead of coming in during the final overs.
Dhoni had a modest IPL 2025 campaign with the bat, often walking in at the back end of the innings to provide quick runs. Speaking to JioHotstar, Pujara said the CSK legend still possesses the ability to change matches single-handedly if he faces more deliveries.
“I don’t see a point in MS Dhoni batting at No. 8 or 9, because he has the potential to turn games around single-handedly, something no other batter in the CSK team can do,” Pujara said.
“If he bats for only five or ten balls, imagine what Mahi bhai can do if he plays 25 or 30 balls,” he added.
Dhoni’s position in the batting order became a major talking point during IPL 2025, particularly after he came in as low as number nine in a match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. While the move drew criticism from fans and experts, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming later explained that the decision was influenced by Dhoni managing a recurring knee issue during the season.
Despite the criticism around his batting position, Dhoni is set to return for yet another IPL campaign. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanath confirmed that the veteran wicketkeeper-batter will be available for the entire IPL 2026 season.
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