“He would be batting at No.3” - Sanjay Bangar reveals CSK’s No.3 player for IPL 2026 season

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Bangar has asserted that the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have started their rebuilding phase in the last season itself. Notably, CSK held the wooden spoon in the IPL 2025 season.

Speaking exclusively on Star Sports, Bangar stated that Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad are expected to open the innings for CSK, with Ayush Mhatre taking up the No.3 role. On the other hand, Bangar suggested the think tank team go for an experienced overseas player for the No.4 slot in the auction.

"I think, more or less, they started this rebuilding phase in the last season itself, wherein they found that they didn't have a chance to make it to the playoffs. So they started giving opportunities. They spotted Ayush Mhatre, who I think is going to be a starter in the playing XI, batting at No. 3," Sanjay Bangar told Star Sports.

"No. 4 slot is still an open-ended thing. So they would want to have somebody at No. 4 because Brevis and Dube can do a very, very good job at No. 5 and No. 6. I would say Brevis at No. 6. So that No. 4 spot can go to an experienced overseas batter," he added.

Additionally, the former cricketer suggested the CSK think tank team go for either Cameron Green or Liam Livingstone as their overseas all-rounders in the forthcoming IPL 2026 season, scheduled to take place on Tuesday, December 16.

"Overton, whether they opt to play with him, depends on the type of surface. Cameron Green can be the person who can fit in because he is batting slightly higher up the order. If they have to purchase one more overseas player because they have plenty of money, Liam Livingstone is a very good option for them," he concluded.

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