Cheteshwar Pujara Says MS Dhoni Should Bat Higher Than No. 8 for Chennai Super Kings in Indian Premier League 2026

Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara has suggested that MS Dhoni should bat higher in the order for Chennai Super Kings in the upcoming Indian Premier League 2026 season, arguing that the veteran’s impact is being limited when he walks in too late in the innings.

Dhoni mostly batted in the lower order during IPL 2025, often arriving in the final overs to provide a quick burst of runs. Pujara believes the CSK legend could influence matches far more if he is given additional time at the crease.

Speaking to JioHotstar, Pujara said Dhoni still has the ability to single-handedly turn games 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 Batting Role Under Scrutiny

Dhoni’s batting position became a major talking point during IPL 2025 after he came in as low as No. 9 during a match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The move drew widespread criticism from fans and pundits who questioned why one of the most experienced finishers in the game was batting so late.

However, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming later explained that the decision was partly influenced by Dhoni managing a recurring knee issue during the season.

Despite the debate around his batting role, Dhoni is set to return for another IPL campaign. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanath confirmed that the veteran wicketkeeper-batter will be available for the entire IPL 2026 season.

CSK Looking to Bounce Back

Dhoni featured in all 14 matches for Chennai Super Kings during IPL 2025 but mostly appeared in the lower order. The former India captain scored 196 runs at an average of 24.50 and a strike rate of 135.17, typically coming in during the closing overs to accelerate the scoring.

However, it proved to be a difficult campaign for CSK overall. The five-time champions struggled for consistency and eventually finished at the bottom of the points table, missing out on the playoffs.

With IPL 2026 approaching, Pujara believes Dhoni could still play a crucial role for CSK — provided the team management considers promoting him higher up the order and giving him more time in the middle.