CSK Batting Plan for IPL 2026 : With the IPL 2026 season on the horizon, former India all-rounder and batting coach Sanjay Bangar has shared his thoughts on how Chennai Super Kings could line up after their bold moves in the mega auction and trade window.
Speaking on Star Sports, Bangar suggested a key change in the batting order: placing Sanju Samson at No. 3. Samson, who joined CSK from Rajasthan Royals in a high-profile ₹18 crore trade that saw Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran move the other way, could be the player who stabilizes the innings while also keeping the scoring rate high.
According to Bangar, Samson’s role would be crucial in the middle phase of the innings — a period where CSK has sometimes struggled to maintain momentum.
A Batting Order Built on Balance and Youth
Bangar believes Ruturaj Gaikwad should continue opening the innings, a position where he has consistently performed at his best. Pairing him with young talent Ayush Mhatre could give CSK an exciting mix of reliability and attacking intent right from the start.
“Ruturaj Gaikwad has played his best cricket at the top of the order,” Bangar explained. “I’d have Sanju Samson at No. 3 so he can connect the openers with the power-hitters in the middle.”
The middle order also looks strong. Dewald Brevis, the highly rated South African youngster, is expected to slot in at No. 4. At No. 5, Bangar sees competition between Shivam Dube and the uncapped but highly valued Kartik Sharma, who was picked up for an impressive ₹14.20 crore.
A New Approach to Spin and Bowling Depth
CSK’s bowling unit appears to be evolving as well. Bangar pointed out that the signing of Rahul Chahar for ₹5.20 crore signals the team’s growing trust in Indian leg-spin.
Chahar is likely to work alongside Noor Ahmad, giving CSK a strong wrist-spin combination that could play a major role in the middle overs.
The pace department also looks balanced. Matt Henry is expected to take the new ball, while Nathan Ellis will handle death-overs duties. Khaleel Ahmed adds left-arm variety, and all-rounder Prashant Veer, another big-money acquisition at ₹14.20 crore, provides both batting depth and additional seam options.
World Cup Stars Arrive in Top Form
CSK will also benefit from the presence of two players who played key roles in India’s 2026 T20 World Cup victory.
Sanju Samson – Player of the Tournament
Samson heads into the IPL in exceptional form. His performances in the T20 World Cup made him one of the standout players of the tournament.
- 321 runs in just 5 innings
- Average: 80.25
- Strike Rate: 199.37
He also delivered in the biggest moment, smashing 89 off 46 balls in the final against New Zealand, the highest individual score ever recorded in a T20 World Cup final.
Shivam Dube – A Reliable Match-Winner
Shivam Dube continues to be a valuable player for both India and CSK. A member of India’s T20 World Cup-winning squads in 2024 and 2026, he brings both power hitting and useful medium-pace bowling.
In the 2026 tournament, Dube scored 206 runs at an average of 51.50 and a strike rate of 183.93. His ability to attack spin during the middle overs and contribute with the ball makes him an important part of Gaikwad’s plans.
Chennai Super Kings – Full Squad for IPL 2026
| Player | Role | Acquisition | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ruturaj Gaikwad (C) | Batter | Retained | ₹18 Cr |
| Sanju Samson | WK-Batter | Trade (RR) | ₹18 Cr |
| Shivam Dube | All-rounder | Retained | ₹12 Cr |
| Noor Ahmad | Bowler | Retained | ₹10 Cr |
| MS Dhoni | WK-Batter | Retained | ₹4 Cr (Uncapped) |
| Kartik Sharma | WK-Batter | Auction | ₹14.20 Cr |
| Prashant Veer | All-rounder | Auction | ₹14.20 Cr |
| Rahul Chahar | Bowler | Auction | ₹5.20 Cr |
| Khaleel Ahmed | Bowler | Retained | ₹4.80 Cr |
| Anshul Kamboj | All-rounder | Retained | ₹3.40 Cr |
| Dewald Brevis | Batter | Retained | ₹2.20 Cr |
| Matt Henry | Bowler | Auction | ₹2 Cr |
| Nathan Ellis | Bowler | Retained | ₹2 Cr |
| Akeal Hosein | Bowler | Auction | ₹2 Cr |
| Jamie Overton | All-rounder | Retained | ₹1.50 Cr |
| Matthew Short | All-rounder | Auction | ₹1.50 Cr |
| Sarfaraz Khan | Batter | Auction | ₹75 L |
| Zak Foulkes | All-rounder | Auction | ₹75 L |
| Aman Khan | All-rounder | Auction | ₹40 L |
| Ayush Mhatre | Batter | Retained | ₹30 L |
