Former India batter Suresh Raina believes that Sanju Samson should occupy the No.3 position for Chennai Super Kings in the upcoming Indian Premier League 2026 season, stating that the move would bring better balance to the team’s batting order.Samson heads into IPL 2026 in excellent form after an impressive campaign in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, where he produced a string of strong performances. The wicketkeeper-batter scored back-to-back half-centuries in the Super 8s against West Indies, the semifinal against England, and the final against New Zealand while opening the innings.

Raina suggests reshaping CSK’s top order

Despite Samson’s success as an opener, Raina believes CSK should retain Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ayush Mhatre at the top of the order. According to Raina, Samson at No.3 would provide stability and help 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 said while speaking on JioHotstar.Raina further explained that such a batting order would strengthen CSK’s 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.

Samson backed to take wicketkeeping role

Raina also backed Samson to handle the wicketkeeping duties for CSK, suggesting that veteran captain MS Dhoni might only 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 said.He added that allowing Gaikwad and Mhatre to open would give CSK a more experienced 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 explained.Samson’s blockbuster move to CSKSamson joined CSK ahead of IPL 2026 after being traded from Rajasthan Royals in exchange for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran before the auction. The Kerala-born batter brings considerable IPL experience, having played 177 matches and scored 4707 runs at an average of 30.95.