Irfan Pathan picks CSK legend MS Dhoni’s ideal batting position for IPL 2026

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With the IPL 2026 retention window officially closed, teams have shifted their focus to the high-stakes mini-auction scheduled for December. Among the franchises facing major transitions is the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who endured a challenging 2025 season and now look to reshape their squad ahead of the new campaign.

CSK retained 16 players at the IPL 2026 retention deadline, including stalwarts such as Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, and rising talent Ayush Mhatre. While these core names remain central to the franchise’s plans, the management made bold decisions by releasing 10 players, which included star performers like Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway.

In one of the biggest trade moves of the retention window, CSK parted ways with Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran, sending the duo to Rajasthan Royals in exchange for Sanju Samson. The trade has opened new avenues for squad balance but has also created critical gaps in the lower middle order and the all-rounder department—areas CSK will look to strengthen at the December auction.

As discussions intensify around CSK’s revamped combination, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has weighed in on MS Dhoni‘s batting position for the upcoming season, insisting the five-time IPL champion still holds a vital role—but only at the right spot in the order. Dhoni’s own struggle in the previous season—scoring sporadically and finishing with a strike rate of 135.17 across 14 outings—has become a point of discussion, especially as the team finished at the bottom of the table.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pathan stressed that Dhoni must bat at No. 7 for CSK in IPL 2026, highlighting that the veteran wicketkeeper-batter can no longer afford to slide further down the order.

“They’ll need a batter at No. 6. I would like to see Dhoni bat at No. 7. He needs to bat at atleast No. 7. He can’t bat at No. 8 or 9. If he does, it’s not beneficial for the team,” Pathan said.

Also READ: Chennai Super Kings: Full List of CSK Retentions, Releases, Remaining Slots & Purse | IPL 2026 Auction

Pathan added that CSK must field a finisher at No. 6—preferably someone in the mould of Andre Russell—while No. 8 should be filled by a bowling all-rounder who can support both departments. According to him, the right combination will not only ease pressure on Dhoni but also provide the franchise the depth and explosiveness required in modern T20 cricket.

“With Dhoni at 7, you’ll need an all-rounder at No. 8, who can bowl and bat. Ideally someone who can finish well is much better. So if you get a good finisher at No. 6, like Andre Russell, that’s a job done. Then at No. 8, you could go for a bowling all-rounder,” added Pathan.

Based on the franchise’s retentions, releases, and pending gaps, Pathan also suggested a tentative playing XI for CSK heading into IPL 2026. While a few positions remain open and likely to be filled through the auction, the structure of the squad he proposed includes a mix of retained stars and strategic additions.

Irfan Pathan’s potential CSK XI for next IPL season: Sanju Samson, Ayush Mhatre, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, ?, MS Dhoni, ?, Noor Ahmad, Nathan Ellis, Khaleel Ahmed, Anshul Kamboj/Mukesh Choudhary (Impact Sub)

The uncertain slots at No. 6 and No. 8 are expected to be addressed once the auction concludes, making these positions among the most crucial for CSK.

Also READ: IPL 2026 Retentions – Devon Conway reacts after his release from the CSK squad