In addition to commenting on the intense debate, former CSK batsman Robin Uthappa shared his ideas about a possible CSK batting lineup in the event that Samson joins the five-time champions. With one day remaining until the IPL 2026 retention deadline, the rumours surrounding the Sanju Samson–Chennai Super Kings transfer are getting more intense.
Robin Uthappa made it apparent that he is adamantly against Samson batting lower in the T20 order, a strategy that India recently tried before benching the Kerala star halfway through the tour of Australia. He thinks Samson would be the most suitable player to start the innings for CSK if the well-publicized move were to happen.
The wicketkeeper-batter might bat at the top of the order with either captain Ruturaj Gaikwad or Urvil Patel, according to Uthappa. The seasoned stumper-batter said that if Samson wants to bolster his reputation as an Indian T20I opener in the long run, he must start at the top of the batting order.
The thought of Sanju batting lower in the order bothers me. Sanju and Ruturaj, or Sanju or Urvil, will most likely begin the batting, in my opinion. Sanju must open the batting if he hopes to maintain his position at the top of the order in the Indian lineup. According to The Indian Express, Robin Uthappa stated, “He’s doing himself a great disservice if he bats anywhere below that number, and they [selectors] will use that as an excuse against [him].”
In addition, Robin Uthappa said that Ruturaj Gaikwad recently decided to bat lower in the order in limited-overs cricket, which is different from how most contemporary T20 batters do it. The Coorg native thinks that Gaikwad’s role versatility makes it much more compelling for Samson to open if he joins CSK. Samson is anticipated to join the five-time winners in a direct trade with Ravindra Jadeja, which would be the largest transaction in the team’s history. At INR 18 crore, both players were kept by their respective teams for the previous season.
I don’t get the reasoning behind Ruturaj’s desire to bat at number three in T20 cricket, which is funny. Prior to his injury in the IPL last year, he preferred to bat at number three when he was captain. You have essentially made a niche for yourself in Indian cricket, which is really counterproductive. He accomplished this while Virat was still playing, so you’ve actually made room for yourself to compete for a spot there. Then all of a sudden he’s out there fumbling to get back in. I’m hoping he does.
Seeing him [Gaikwad] and Sanju open is something I truly like. Robin Uthappa stated, “Urvil at No. 3.”
Prior to the 2026 edition of the lucrative tournament, it is believed that RR has swapped in all-rounders Jadeja and Sam Curran in exchange for Samson, however this has not been confirmed yet.
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