Former Indian all-rounder Sanjay Bangar has picked Chennai Super Kings’ batting order for the upcoming Indian Premier League. Bangar has backed Sanju Samson to bat at one drop whereas he wants captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ayush Mhatre to open the innings.

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.

“Ruturaj Gaikwad should bat at the top of the order only. Last year, they tried to separate Devon Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad so that the entire cream isn’t at the top. However, that thought process didn’t give them success. Ruturaj Gaikwad has played his best cricket at the top of the order,” the former India batting coach said on Star Sports.

Bangar reckons Dewald Brevis can bat at number four whereas either Shivam Dube or Kartik Sharma can bat at number five.

“He plays very well there, and Ayush Mhatre plays with him. I see Sanju Samson playing at No. 3. Dewald Brevis will play at No. 4. Either Shivam Dube or Kartik Sharma can come at No. 5. As regards adopting a new approach, I feel this team has a lot of might in the batting department,” he added.

The former RCB head coach reckons Rahul Chahar will get to play all the matches for CSK in IPL 2026.

“There is another change in CSK’s thought process. They have never used an Indian leg-spinner much. Here, Rahul Chahar might get to play all the matches. So two wrist-spinners, a left-arm wrist-spinner and Rahul Chahar from the other end. Rahul Chahar has excellent variety, and he can also come down the order and play a few big shots,” he said.

Bangar said CSK has a potent fast bowling battery as they have pacers like Khaleel Ahmed, Matt Henry and Nathan Ellis.

“It looks like a good bowling unit as well, where you have two proper overseas fast bowlers who specialize in phases. Matt Henry bowls well with the new ball and Nathan Ellis bowls well at the death. Khaleel Ahmed provides the left-arm angle. So you see a strong bowling unit. If Prashant Veer plays, you will have three proper spinners and three proper fast bowlers,” Bangar elaborated.

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