MS Dhoni and Sanju Samson (Source:AFP)
Sanju Samson's recent success in the recently concluded ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 has turned the spotlight on him, particularly as he makes his way to Chennai Super Kings for the IPL 2026 season.
After a stellar performance in the World Cup, Sanju Samson's potential role in the IPL has been a hot topic of discussion.
Sanju Samson's aggressive and dynamic batting has earned him a reputation, with many wondering where he would fit into the CSK batting lineup.
In a surprising move ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, Sanju Samson was traded to CSK from Rajasthan Royals in exchange for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. This trade immediately raised questions about where Sanju Samson would bat in the order.
Former CSK star Suresh Raina has suggested an ideal batting position for the explosive wicketkeeper-batter in IPL 2026.
Sanju Samson’s impressive form in T20 World Cup 2026
Samson was one of the most-talked about players for India in the global tournament. The Kerala-born batter had an exceptional tournament, especially during the crucial knockout stages.
His stunning knocks in the Super 8 match against the West Indies, the semi-final against England, and the final against New Zealand played a key role in India’s impressive campaign. Samson’s consistent performance also helped him climb 18 places in the ICC T20 rankings, where he currently sits at No. 22.
Also Read: Did Shubman Gill Deliberately Remove Sanju Samson From T20 World Cup Win Post?
In total, Samson played five innings in the T20 World Cup, scoring an impressive 321 runs at an average of 80.25 and a strike rate of 199.38.
Suresh Raina's take on Sanju Samson's batting position for CSK
Former India cricketer Suresh Raina has weighed in on the matter of Samson’s batting position, suggesting that No. 3 is the best spot for him in the CSK line-up.
Suresh Raina, who has been a key part of CSK for years, believes that placing Samson at No. 3 would provide the perfect balance to the team’s batting order.
"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 Matre? Or will Ayush play as number three? We have a World Cup here. If he plays as number three, it will be good. Because then (Dewald) Brevis will come at number four", Suresh Raina said on a Star Sports programme.
Why No. 3 is the best spot for Sanju Samson?
Samson has been an opening batter for much of his career, and his aggressive stroke play at the top has made him one of the most exciting players in the IPL. However, despite his great form as an opener, Suresh Raina feels that batting at No. 3 would allow Samson to play a pivotal role in balancing the CSK line-up.
According to Raina, opening with Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ayush Mhatre will allow the team to have a solid foundation at the top, with Samson providing the link to the middle order.
At No. 3, Samson will have the opportunity to play a stabilising role if the openers are dismissed early, while also accelerating the innings when needed. Following him, CSK could send in Dewald Brevis at No. 4, providing further firepower to the middle order.
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