'MS Dhoni can’t play 5-10 balls role': CSK legend told to take bowler’s spot in playing XI on IPL 2026 return

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have finally found the rhythm, winning back-to-back games after three losses in a row in the ongoing IPL 2026. However, the Chennai Super Kings camp is all set to face another headache after hitting form, and that is how they will fit back MS Dhoni into the XI.

Actually, MS Dhoni is recovering from a calf strain and has already missed the first five matches of the ongoing IPL 2026. But now, the legendary wicketkeeper-batter is close to full fitness and could be back in action against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 18 in Hyderabad.

Selection headache for CSK as MS Dhoni likely to return for SRH clash

Dhoni’s possible return is building excitement, but at the same time, it is also creating a big selection headache for CSK. A well-known cricket expert and broadcaster, Harsha Bhogle, feels the problem is not about whether Dhoni can play, but how he fits into the current team balance.

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Since the CSK icon is expected to bat at number 7 and also keep wickets, Harsha reckoned that Dhoni will take up an important spot in the playing XI, which means a bowler will have to make way for him, and that will affect their overall bowling attack.

MS Dhoni will have to play the power batter's role: Harsha Bhogle

Yet, Harsha strongly suggested that Dhoni should not be used just for a short 5–10 ball finishing role anymore when he comes at the cost of a bowler. The presenter has insisted that Dhoni needs to take more responsibility with the bat and play a proper impact role rather than just playing a few balls.

Harsha Bhogale said on Cricbuzz: “Where does Dhoni fit into this side? He's got to bat at 7, and he'll keep wickets. That means he's playing a full role. He is not an impact sub. He is playing a full role. So, somebody has to go out because in the top 6, you only got occasional overs from Shivam Dube. So, when Dhoni comes in at 7, one bowler will have to go out.”

How can #CSK fit MS Dhoni in the Playing XI? 🤔@bhogleharsha & Simon Doull discuss, on Cricbuzz Live #IPL2026 #CSKvKKR @GoogleIndia pic.twitter.com/Ti776UVG2d

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) April 15, 2026

He continued, “So, it will impact their bowling. When Dhoni comes in, the truth is, it's just starting to settle. So, Dhoni will have to play the power batter's role, not just the 5-10 ball role, but the power batter's role because he's using a bowler's place.”

Simon Doull predicts major bowling shuffle to fit MS Dhoni in CSK XI

Meanwhile, former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull also admitted that someone will have to make way for Dhoni, and he feels CSK might adjust their bowling combination to make space for him. The broadcaster reckoned that they should go with Noor Ahmad, Akeal Hosein, Anshul Kamboj, Khaleel Ahmed, and Jamie Overton, with Shivam Dube being the 6th option.

Simon Doull said during the same discussion, “I don't know. When you look at it, how do they fit him in? He bats at 7 here, so Gurjapneet Singh has to make way. In this situation, they have to get overs out of Shivam Dubey as a sixth bowler."

"So, they play with 5 bowlers. So, one of them just sits out from a batting point of view and comes in as a bowling sub. So, Dube becomes the 6th bowler and maybe Ayush Mhatre. Sarfaraz Khan maybe.”

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