IPL 2026: CSK's Sanju Samson Unlikely To Open Batting With Ruturaj Gaikwad In Upcoming Edition, Explains Former India Opener

IPL 2026: Five-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have roped in one of the most sought-after openers, Sanju Samson, ahead of the mini-auction scheduled to take place in December. CSK recently pulled off a sensational trade with RR (Rajasthan Royals) for Samson in exchange for all-rounders Sam Curran and Ravindra Jadeja.

There were also speculations around CSK entrusting captaincy with Samson; however, the franchise announced that it will continue with Ruturaj Gaikwad at the helm.

In another speculation ahead of the season, Former India opener Aakash Chopra, who is also a commentator at present, stated that Samson is likely to be placed at number three as the franchise will persist with captain Ruturaj and youngster Ayush Mhatre as the opening pair.

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Interestingly, Samson has been a mainstay at number three, scoring most of his runs in his IPL career at that particular position. Samson has smashed 3096 runs at a strike rate of 143.33, which includes three centuries. On the other hand, Samson has three centuries to his name, opening the batting for India in the T20 internationals.

Mhatre has been dubbed a future star with 240 runs at a strike-rate of 188.98 (most as an opener) after he was included in the squad mid-season, post Ruturaj's injury, which forced him out of tournament.

“The big question that they need to answer is if Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson are opening," Chopra said on a Star Sports video. “The best of Samson has come as an opener, whether for RR or Team India. For now, we have kept him at number three because Ayush Mhatre has been outstanding in the limited games he has played. If they continue with this, they will still need somebody at number four."

Chopra also stated that CSK might look to balance their squad with an overseas middle-order batter alongside a spinner.

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“It can be David Miller, Liam Livingstone or even Dewald Brevis can go to number four. In terms of spin, I see Ravi Bishnoi or Rahul Chahar coming into the team because they need spinners. Ravichandran Ashwin retired, Ravindra Jadeja traded. Only Shreyas Gopal and Noor Ahmad right now in their squad as far as spinners are concerned. So, (leg-spinner, Ravi) Bishnoi can come in and they have a good purse amount," he said.