Former Indian batter Suresh Raina has backed Sanju Samson to bat at one drop in the upcoming IPL 2026 for Chennai Super Kings. Samson has been in rich form and he would look to carry the same in the forthcoming tournament.

Samson returned with scores of 97(50), 89(42), and 89(46) in the virtual quarterfinals, semifinal and final of the T20 World Cup, respectively. The right-hander was awarded Player of the tournament after he scored 321 runs in five matches at an average of 80.25 and a strike rate of 199.38.

Raina wants CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ayush Mhatre to open the innings for the five-time champions.

Suresh Raina said on Star Sports, “Samson is a brand and was the captain of Rajasthan Royals for many years. His role will be very clear. If he bats at No. 3, it would be good because then Brevis will come in at No. 4 and Shivam Dube can come in at No. 5. For No. 6, they could look at Prashant Veer or Akeal Hosein. How many overseas fast bowlers play, that will also be important.

“Apart from keeping, the atmosphere that Samson creates will also be important. We saw during the T20 World Cup how the crowd cheered for him. I feel his role at No. 3 will be important for CSK. You can open with Ayush Mhatre and Ruturaj Gaikwad. The middle order then looks strong. MS Dhoni, again, I feel will only play the last 2-3 overs. Along with Brevis and Dube, Sanju’s experience will be crucial,” the 39-year-old added.

Meanwhile, Samson has scored 4704 runs in 177 IPL matches at an average of 177 and a strike rate of 139.04. 

CSK will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against the inaugural champions Rajasthan Royals, at Guwahati on 30th March.