I'd really like to see Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson open for CSK: Robin Uthappa

The Sanju Samson–Chennai Super Kings trade buzz continues to intensify with just one day left before the IPL 2026 retention deadline. Former CSK batter Robin Uthappa has also weighed in on the high-octane discussion, offering his thoughts on a potential CSK batting line-up should Samson join the five-time champions.

Uthappa made it clear that he strongly opposes the idea of Samson batting lower down the order in T20 cricket, an experiment India attempted recently before dropping the Kerala star midway through the Australia tour. He believes that if the high-profile trade does materialize, Samson would be best suited to open the innings for CSK. 

According to Uthappa, the wicketkeeper-batter could partner either Urvil Patel or skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad at the top of the order. The veteran stumper-batter further noted that opening the batting would be crucial for Samson if he wishes to strengthen his case as a long-term T20I opener for India.

“I hate the idea of Sanju batting down the order. I think you’ll probably see Sanju and Ruturaj opening the batting, or Sanju or Urvil opening the batting. If Sanju has to continue to push for a spot in the Indian team at the top of the order, he has to open the batting. If he bats anywhere below that number, then he’s doing himself a massive disservice, and they [selectors] will use that as an excuse against [him],”said Uthappa as quoted by The Indian Express.

Uthappa also pointed out that Ruturaj Gaikwad has recently chosen to bat lower down the order in limited-overs cricket, a move that contrasts with the approach of most modern T20 batters. With Gaikwad showing flexibility in his role, the Coorg-born believes it further strengthens the case for Samson to open if he joins CSK. Samson is expected to move to the five-time champions in what would be the biggest trade deal in the franchise’s history, a direct swap with Ravindra Jadeja. Both players were retained by their respective teams last season at INR 18 crore.

“Funnily enough, Ruturaj wants to bat at No. 3 in T20 cricket, and I don’t understand the logic of that. When he was captain, he wanted to bat at No. 3 till he got injured last year in the IPL. That is so self-defeating because you have just kind of created a space for yourself in Indian cricket. You’ve actually created a space for yourself where you can actually push for a position there, and he did this when Virat was still playing, right?… And then suddenly he’s out in the lurch trying to find his way back in. I hope he does. I really like to see him [Gaikwad] and Sanju open. Urvil at No. 3,” said Uthappa.

Although not official yet, it is understood that RR have traded in all-rounders Jadeja and Sam Curran for letting go Samson ahead of the 2026 edition of the cash-rich tournament.