Irfan Pathan says Dhoni needs to bat at at least No. 7 in IPL 2026

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan said MS Dhoni needs to bat at at least number seven in IPL 2026 for Chennai Super Kings. As expected, Dhoni was retained by the five-time champions ahead of IPL 2026 mini-auction.

Meanwhile, Dhoni had kept pushing himself down the order in the previous season despite many opportunities and mostly batted at number eight. Dhoni had scored 196 runs in 13 innings at an average of 24.50 and a strike rate of 135.17 in IPL 2025.

Irfan Pathan said on his YouTube Channel, “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. 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.”

On the other hand, former swing bowler said Lucknow Super Giants will need replacements for David Miller and Ravi Bishnoi. Pathan reckons LSG can target players like Andre Russell and Wanindu Hasaranga.

“They’ve plenty of fast-bowling resources with the trading in of Shami and Arjun Tendulkar, which is essential as this team has a lot of injury concerns. But they’ll need a replacement for Miller and Bishnoi. They definitely need a good finisher at No. 7. Along with CSK, LSG will also go for Andre Russell. They could also go for Harasanga. With him, LSG looks decent,” said Pathan (via the aforementioned source).

IPL 2026 mini auction is likely to be scheduled on December 15.