Former CSK player suggests new batting role for Sanju Samson ahead of IPL 2026
Former CSK star Suresh Raina believes Sanju Samson should bat at No. 3 for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026, saying the move could strengthen the team’s batting balance.
Sanju Samson (Image | BCCI on X)
Last Updated: 09.05 PM, Mar 14, 2026
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) traded Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals (RR) ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The player is currently in a stellar form, helping India win the tournament. Speaking about his batting position, CSK's former cricketer Suresh Raina believes that Samson should bat at No. 3 position in the upcoming season.
Samson, who opened for India in the T20Is, has been the skipper of RR in the previous seasons. Raina stated that Gaikwad and Mhatre should open while Samson at bat at No. 3 position. He is one of the most dangerous batters in the current line-up.
"He was the captain of the Rajasthan Royals for so many years. I think his role will be clear here. Will Sanju Samson or Ruturaj open with Mhatre? Or will Ayush play as No. 3? If Sanju plays as No. 3, it will be good according to me, because then Dewald Brevis will come at No. 4," said Suresh Raina on Jio Hotstar.
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"Shivam Dube will come at No. 5. At No. 6, it depends on who you bring. Will Prashant Veer be there? Will Akeal Hussain be there? Will Noor Ahmed be there? It will be important to know how many fast bowlers play overseas," he added.
Sanju will be there as a keeper: Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina also spoke about how Sanju Samson is most likely to be the keeper during the IPL. Meanwhile, MS Dhoni will play all the matches in the tournament, CSK CEO has confirmed that Dhoni will be present but whether he will play as an impact sub is on the management to decide.
"But Sanju will be there as a keeper. We saw the atmosphere he created when he played in the World Cup. He welcomed everyone there. I think his role will be more important as No. 3. If you allow Ayush Mhatre and Ruturaj Gaikwad to bat at the top, the middle order looks more experienced and stronger," he said.
"Otherwise, after that, it will be MS Dhoni coming in, and I feel he will only play the last two or three overs. Before that, when Brevis comes in with Sanju, and then Shivam Dube after him, it becomes very important to have a player like Sanju there who brings a different level of experience,” Raina added.