Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni came out to bat at number 7 in their first match against Delhi Capitals (DC). Former DC captain Gautam Gambhir feels it's time for Dhoni to bat higher in the batting order.

Gambhir said the CSK captain can't be leading the team and batting low in the order. He also shared his preferred batting position for Dhoni which could suit him better.

Speaking on Star Sports show Cricket Live, Gambhir said, “We keep mentioning this thing that a leader needs to lead from the front. You can’t be leading, when you’re batting at No.7."

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Dhoni was dismissed on a duck by Avesh Khan in CSK's last match. He walked in to bat at 137/5 in 15.1 overs, with the stage set for a finish, but he couldn't do it. Gambhir feels Dhoni doesn't have the same ability which he used to have once.

“MS Dhoni should be batting higher, that’s what matters because ultimately people should start leading from the front. Yes, there are issues in their bowling lineup.

"Plus, he is not the MS Dhoni, which he used to be probably four or five years back, where he could just come in and start taking on the bowlers from the word go. For me, I think he needs to bat at number four/ five. Nothing below that,” he added.

The CSK skipper had a poor season with the bat last year and he ended the season without a single half-century. Although CSK have a great batting depth this IPL, they would love to see Dhoni back in the form which provides an extra cushion in the lower-order.

Super Kings will play their second match of the season against Punjab Kings on April 16 at the Wankhede Stadium.