sanju samson,Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Trade talks have reached a climax just before Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 Retention deadline, with much-awaited move Rajasthan Royals (RR) Almost all confirmed for the five-time champion. Former CSK batsman Robin Uthappa We have not held back in analyzing the huge strategic implications of this deal, especially with regard to the restructuring of CSK’s batting order.
Robin Uthappa’s immediate warning to CSK regarding Sanju Samson for IPL 2026
Uthappa issued a stern warning that Sanju Samson’s entire international career could be in danger if CSK uses him lower down the batting order, a position the Indian team had experimented with before dropping him midway through the tour. Uthappa believes that Samson’s immense potential and proven record as an opening batsman requires a top-order role in the IPL to keep him in the minds of selectors for the T20 World Cup 2026.
Uthappa pulled no punches and said: “I hate the idea of Sanju batting lower down the order. I think you will probably see Sanju and Ruturaj opening the batting, or Sanju or Urvil opening the batting.”
Uthappa also stressed the high stakes for Samson’s national career:
“If Sanju is to continue to strive for a place at the top of the order in the Indian team, he will have to open the batting. If he bats anywhere below that number, he is doing himself a big disservice, and he [selectors] will use this as an excuse [him], Former CSK number 3 added.
Samson had already become the first and only batsman to score three T20I centuries in a calendar year as an opening batsman last season, underscoring his ability to dominate right from the start.
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Uthappa named new top order of CSK for IPL 2026
The tactical solution to accommodate Samson at the top of the order is interestingly found in CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad’s batting preference. Unlike most modern T20 openers, Gaikwad has shown an uncanny willingness and even willingness to bat at the anchor position of No. 3, a preference that Uthappa finds strategically questionable for his international prospects as captain.
Highlighting this oddity, Uthappa said: “The funny thing is that Ruturaj wants to bat at number 3 in T20 cricket and I don’t understand the logic behind it. When he was the captain, he wanted to bat at number 3 until he got injured in the IPL last year. It is very self-defeating because you have to make a place for yourself in Indian cricket.
Uthappa elaborated on Gaikwad’s negative result:
“You’ve really created a niche for yourself where you can really push for a position there, and he did that when Virat was still playing, right? … And then suddenly he gets lost trying to find his way back. I hope he does that. I really love watching him.” [Gaikwad] And Sanju opened up. Urvil at number 3,” He concluded.
Despite his criticism, Gaikwad’s preference allows the franchise to include two high-impact batsmen in the top three: the destructive Samson opening, and Gaikwad controlling the middle overs from the No. 3 position. This flexibility is important for trade, which expects direct exchanges informally. Ravindra Jadeja (remained at Rs 18 crore) and potential Sam CurranA huge transaction that will strengthen the new-look CSK top order around their newly acquired star.
Also read: CSK’s most expensive players in every IPL auction: From Ravindra Jadeja to Ben Stokes
