Chennai Super Kings MS Dhoni (PTI Photo/Sailendra Bhojak) MS Dhoni’s batting position in the Chennai Super Kings line-up has become a talking point in recent seasons. Fitness concerns have often seen the legendary wicketkeeper batsman walk much lower down the order, sometimes at No. 8 or even No. 9. As a result, Dhoni is left with only a handful of deliveries that impact the batting game.In his prime, Dhoni built a reputation as one of the most devastating players in world cricket. Even now, the former CSK captain has created several quick portraits that remind fans of his finishing ability. Those flashes have sparked debate among fans and pundits who believe he should shoot higher to maximize his impact.
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Indian Test veteran Cheteshwar Pujara is among those who believe Dhoni should be given a bigger role with the bat. Speaking on JioHotstar, Pujara said he was struggling to understand the logic behind sending the former India captain so deep down the order.“I don’t see the point in batting MS Dhoni at No. 8 or 9 because he has the potential to turn a game around with one hand, which no other batsman in the CSK team can do. If he only bats five or ten balls, imagine what Mahi bhai can do if he bowls 25 or 30 balls,” Pujara said on JioHotstar.Pujara, who was part of the CSK team that won a record fifth Indian Premier League title in 2021, also spoke warmly about the franchise’s dressing room culture.“I have been in the CSK setup. The players feel very comfortable in that environment; it is like a family. When you are in that setup, it is clear what is expected of you as a player,” Pujara said.He added that loyalty has always been a defining feature of the franchise’s philosophy.“Loyalty also comes into the picture because most of the CSK players, if you look at the history, stay for a long time once they are part of this set-up. There is a transition in the team now, so young players are a bit more preferred,” he added.Meanwhile, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan expressed confidence that Dhoni will feature regularly in the team throughout the season.“I think he (Dhoni) will play all the matches,” said Kasi.CSK recently secured the services of wicketkeeper Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals, a move that has raised fresh questions about what role Dhoni will play in the playing eleven.Kasi clarified that the final call to hold Dhoni accountable will lie with the team’s coaching staff rather than the administrative leadership.“That is a cricketing decision that will be taken by the cricket staff, not the administrative staff. So they will decide whether he will play as a batsman, a wicket-taker or a batsman,” he said.
