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Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara reckons that MS Dhoni should promote his batting order for Chennai Super Kings in the upcoming Indian Premier League 2026 season. Pujara feels Dhoni could have a bigger impact if he gets more time in the middle instead of coming in only during the last few overs of the innings.
Why did Pujara advise Dhoni to promote the batting order?
In the 2025 season, Dhoni usually came out to bat very late, mostly when only a few balls were left. His role was mainly to score quick runs at the end. Speaking on the streaming platform JioHotstar, Pujara said the former CSK captain still has the ability to change the course of a match if he faces more deliveries.
Pujara said he does not understand why Dhoni bats as low as number eight or nine. According to him, Dhoni is one of the few players in the CSK lineup who can single-handedly turn a game around, which is why he should get a chance to bat earlier.
“I don’t see the point of MS Dhoni batting at No. 8 or 9,” Pujara said. “He still has the ability to turn a match around on his own, and that is something very few players in the CSK lineup can do.”
Pujara added that Dhoni could be even more dangerous if he spends more time at the crease. “If he is coming in for just five or ten balls, imagine what Mahi bhai could do if he gets to play 25 or even 30 deliveries,” Pujara said on JioHotstar.
How was Dhoni's batting order demoted?
Dhoni's batting order in IPL 2025 become na massive discussion topic. In a clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the legendary wicketkeeper batter came out to bat at number nine. Later, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming said that Dhoni had been dealing with a recurring knee issue during the season, and that affected where he batted.
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Despite the discussions around his batting position, Dhoni is expected to return for another IPL season. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanath has confirmed that the experienced wicketkeeper-batter will be available for the full IPL 2026 campaign.
Dhoni's performance for CSK in IPL 2025
MS Dhoni played all 14 matches for CSK in IPL 2025 where he mostly batted in the lower order. He scored 196 runs at an average of 24.50 with a strike rate of 135.17. Notably, he also captained the franchise after their regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out of the tournament due to an injury.
However, it was a disappointing season for CSK overall. The five-time champions struggled to find consistency and finished at the bottom of the points table, missing out on the playoffs.
CSK will start the IPL 2026 campaign against Rajasthan Royals on March 30 at Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati.
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