CSK's Ideal Batting Lineup For Remainder Of IPL 2026: Sanju Samson Demoted, Ayush Mhatre At Top

CSK's ideal batting lineup [Source: AP]

The Chennai Super Kings had a lot of expectations from Sanju Samson when they traded him from the Rajasthan Royals ahead of the IPL 2026 mini auction. Samson was Rajasthan’s key player, and moreover, he was India’s best player in the T20 World Cup 2026, having won the Player of the Tournament award.

As a result, the CSK fans had high hopes for the Kerala batter, but two games into the new IPL season, the Samson trade to CSK looks like a doomsday already. In the first match against his former side, RR, Samson scored just 6 off 7 balls.

Against the Punjab Kings, CSK expected him to deliver the goods, but the same old story repeated as the right-handed player was sent packing for a paltry 7 off 7 balls.

Why CSK must demote Samson and promote Mhatre

For CSK, he has opened in the opening two fixtures, and this is where the franchise is getting it wrong. Surely, Samson played three back-to-back blinders in the T20 World Cup at the top, but that was a different gravy altogether.

In the IPL, his opening numbers are poor, and the stats reveal the story as CSK must demote him in the batting order.

(Samson stats in IPL by batting position)

• As the stats reveal, Samson has struggled as an opener in the IPL, while he has excelled as a number 3 batter. In 32 IPL games as an opener, the hard-hitting player has only accumulated 789 runs, with a strike rate of 136.
• The numbers are completely different at number 3, where the Indian batter has smashed 3096 runs, with three centuries, and a strike rate of 143.33.
• Throughout his IPL journey, Samson has looked comfortable playing at number 3, and hence, CSK should make him bat at that spot.
• Moreover, Ayush Mhatre, who is being forced to bat at 3 should be promoted as an opener. Last season, Mhatre had a breakout season as an opener, and despite him smashing the Punjab Kings bowlers at number 3 in IPL 2026, CSK must make this bold call and promote him as an opener.

Also Read: "RR Walo Ne Chuna Laga Diya": Fans Lose Control After Samson Fails In CSK vs PBKS

The other major changes in batting position for remainder of IPL

Brevis at 4, Shivam Dube at 5

Dewald Brevis is nursing an injury at the moment, but he is likely to be fit for the next IPL match against RCB. If the South African is fit for the blockbuster clash, he should automatically be slotted in at number 4.

Last season, apart from Mhatre, Brevis was CSK’s only saving grace, and the explosive batter should get to face as many balls as possible. Apart from him, Shivam Dube should bat at number 5. In that role, he can be both an accumulator and can also be the finisher CSK needs in MSD’s absence.

Two 14.2 crores youngsters at 6, and 7

CSK sprung a surprise in the IPL mini auction by splashing 14.2 crores respectively on two youngsters, Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer. With MS Dhoni out for at least 6 games, the franchise must show complete faith in the youngsters.

Both the batters have a great power game, and alongside the experienced Shivam Dube, Kartik and Prashant can be the perfect finishers for CSK.

CSK's best possible batting combination for remainder of IPL

Ruturaj Gaikwad(c)
Ayush Mhatre
Sanju Samson
Dewald Brevis
Shivam Dube
Kartik Sharma
Prashant Veer

Also Read: Ayush Mhatre Shatters Suresh Raina’s 18-Year-Old CSK Feat With Record 50 vs PBKS