Suresh Raina Proposes Sanju Samson for No.3 Role in Chennai Super Kings Batting Order
Former India batter Suresh Raina has put forward a strategic suggestion for the Chennai Super Kings ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 season. Raina believes that Sanju Samson should occupy the No.3 position in the batting lineup, asserting that this move would bring better balance and stability to the team's order.
Samson's Impressive Form and World Cup Performance
Sanju Samson enters IPL 2026 in excellent form, following an impressive campaign in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. The wicketkeeper-batter delivered a series of strong performances, scoring back-to-back half-centuries in critical matches. He achieved this feat in the Super 8s against West Indies, the semifinal against England, and the final against New Zealand, all while opening the innings. His consistent run-scoring has positioned him as a key asset for any team.
Raina's Vision for CSK's Top Order Reshaping
Despite Samson's success as an opener, Raina advocates for retaining Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ayush Mhatre at the top of the order. According to Raina, placing Samson at No.3 would provide crucial stability and effectively connect the top order with the middle order. "He was the captain of the 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 stated during an interview on JioHotstar.
Raina further elaborated on how this batting order would strengthen CSK's overall lineup. "Shivam Dube will come at number five. At number six, it depends on who you bring — whether it is Prashant Veer, Akhil Hussain or Noor Ahmed. It will also depend on how many overseas fast bowlers they choose to play," he added, highlighting the flexibility and depth this strategy could offer.
Samson Backed for Wicketkeeping Duties and Middle Order Experience
Raina also endorsed Samson to handle the wicketkeeping responsibilities for CSK, suggesting that veteran captain MS Dhoni might primarily play a finishing role with the bat. "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 emphasized.
He explained that allowing Gaikwad and Mhatre to open would result in a more experienced and robust middle order. "When Brevis comes in with Sanju and then Shivam Dube after him, it becomes very important to have someone like Sanju who brings experience," Raina noted, underscoring the value of Samson's leadership and performance history.
Samson's Blockbuster Move to Chennai Super Kings
Sanju Samson joined Chennai Super Kings ahead of IPL 2026 after a significant trade from Rajasthan Royals. The exchange involved Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran prior to the auction. The Kerala-born batter brings extensive IPL experience to CSK, having played 177 matches and accumulated 4707 runs at an average of 30.95. His addition is expected to bolster the team's batting prowess and strategic options for the upcoming season.
