Samson recently played a pivotal role India's T20 World Cup defence.
Samson will enter the 19th edition of IPL on the back of strong performances in the recently held T20 World Cup. The wicketkeeper-batter played a pivotal role in India’s title defence and deservedly earned the Player-of-the-Tournament award, finishing as the third highest run-getter with 321 runs from just five innings at an average of 80.25 and a strike rate of 199.37.
Samson produced a match-winning 97* (50 balls) in the virtual quarterfinal against the West Indies, an attacking 89 (42 balls) against England in the semifinal, and another 89 (46 balls) in the final against New Zealand, powering India to a record third T20 World Cup title.
Despite Samson's prolific run as an opener, Raina suggested that CSK’s new recruit should bat at No. 3. He wants the franchise to utilize the services of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ayush Mhatre at the top of the order.
"He was the captain of the Rajasthan Royals for so many years. I think his role will be clear here. Will Sanju Samson or Ruturaj open with Mhatre? Or will Ayush play as No. 3? If Sanju plays as No. 3, it will be good according to me, because then Dewald Brevis will come at No. 4," Raina told Jio Hotstar.
"Shivam Dube will come at No. 5. At No. 6, it depends on who you bring. Will Prashant Veer be there? Will Akeal Hussain be there? Will Noor Ahmed be there? It will be important to know how many fast bowlers play overseas," he added.
Raina also backed Samson to don the keeping gloves for CSK ahead of veteran MS Dhoni, highlighting the Kerala lad’s growing popularity among fans.
"But Sanju will be there as a keeper. We saw the atmosphere he created when he played in the World Cup. He welcomed everyone there. I think his role will be more important as No. 3. If you allow Ayush Mhatre and Ruturaj Gaikwad to bat at the top, the middle order looks more experienced and stronger," he said.
"Otherwise, after that, it will be MS Dhoni coming in, and I feel he will only play the last two or three overs. Before that, when Brevis comes in with Sanju, and then Shivam Dube after him, it becomes very important to have a player like Sanju there who brings a different level of experience,” Raina added.
Sanju Samson completed a high-profile trade from Rajasthan Royals to CSK ahead of the IPL 2026 auction last December. He joined the five-time champions while got Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran in exchange.
One of the most experienced players in the league, Samson has featured in 177 IPL matches, scoring 4704 runs at a strike rate of 139.04 with three hundreds and 26 half-centuries.
(With IANS Inputs)