Former Indian batsman Suresh Raina Believes Sanju Samson should occupy No.3. Chennai Super Kings in the upcoming Indian Premier League 2026 season, saying that the move will bring better balance to the team’s batting order.Samson enters. IPL In fine form after an impressive campaign in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2026, where he produced a string of strong performances. The wicketkeeper-batsman scored back-to-back half-centuries in the Super 8 against West Indies, the semi-final against England and the final against New Zealand while opening the innings.
Raina suggests reshuffle of CSK’s top order.
Despite Samson’s success as an opener, Raina believes CSK should retain Rutoraj Gaikwad and Ayush Mahatre at the top of the order. According to Raina, Samson at No. 3 will provide stability and help connect the top order with the middle order.“He was the captain of Rajasthan Royals for so many years. I think his role will be clear here. If Sanju plays at number three, it will be good according to me, because then Dewald Brevis will come at number four,” Raina said while talking to JioHotstar.Raina further explained that such a batting order would strengthen CSK’s lineup.“Shyum Dubey will come in at number five. At number six, it depends on who you bring in – whether it’s Prashant Vir, Akhil Hussain or Noor Ahmed. It also depends on how many foreign fast bowlers they choose to play,” he added.
Samson favors playing a wicket-keeping role.
Raina also backed Samson to take over the wicketkeeping duties for CSK, suggesting that veteran skipper MS Dhoni could play the ultimate role with the bat alone. “Sanju will be there as a keeper. We saw the atmosphere he created during the World Cup. His role will become very important at number three,” Raina said.He added that allowing Gaekwad and Mahatre to open up would give CSK a more experienced middle order.“When Bruce comes in with Sanju and then Shivam Dubey after him, it becomes very important to have someone like Sanju who brings experience,” Raina explained.Samson’s blockbuster move to CSKSamson joined CSK ahead of IPL 2026 after being traded to Rajasthan Royals for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran before the auction. The Kerala-born batsman brings plenty of IPL experience, having played 177 matches and scored 4707 runs at an average of 30.95.
