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.
HOW LOW DID DHONI BAT IN IPL 2025?
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.
Dhoni featured in all 14 matches for Chennai Super Kings during IPL 2025 but mostly appeared in the lower order. The veteran scored 196 runs at an average of 24.50 and a strike rate of 135.17, largely coming in during the closing overs to provide late acceleration.
However, CSK endured a disappointing season overall. The five-time champions struggled to find consistency and finished at the bottom of the points table, missing out on the playoffs.
With IPL 2026 approaching, Pujara believes Dhoni could still play a decisive role for CSK if the team management allows him to bat higher in the order and spend more time in the middle.
