Out of those three, two should carry out in each match

Former India cricketer Virender Sehwag urged Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) experienced Indian batters to step up and take some responsibility in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. He feels that the trio of Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, and Sanju Samson will be key to the franchise’s fortunes this campaign, which recently began on a dismal note.

All three of the aforementioned players returned poor scores in CSK’s season opener against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Guwahati. Sanju Samson was dismissed for six runs on his debut for the side, while skipper Gaikwad was castled for the same score by Jofra Archer. Shivam Dube had struck a first-ball six off Ravindra Jadeja, but was dismissed a couple of deliveries later.

Lack of contribution from the batting core played a massive factor in CSK finishing with just 127 on the board, a total which RR chased down in just 12.1 overs.

Sehwag opined that patience will be key as CSK head into a new direction rife with youngsters, but at the same time, feels the senior players need to put on some performances.

“If they have decided to go for young players and trust them, then it will take them atleast 2-3 years to build the team. I don’t think they will be in the playoffs. But the higher they finish with this young team, it will be good them them build on in the next two years. My suggestion is that their Indian batters will have to take responsibility. Among Shivam Dube, Sanju Samson, and Ruturaj Gaikwad, out of these three, two have to perform in every match, that is really important,” Sehwag said on Cricbuzz.

CSK, who are without the likes of Nathan Ellis, MS Dhoni, and Dewald Brevis, are set to face the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their first home game on Friday, April 3.

“Shivam Dube must play at No.4” – Virender Sehwag backs the southpaw to continue T20 World Cup form

During the clash against RR, following a top-order collapse, CSK sent in the likes of Matthew Short and Sarfaraz Khan at No.4 and No.5, with the latter being an impact player. Amid the shuffle, Shivam Dube found himself at No.7, featuring even below debutant, Kartik Sharma.

“The way his World Cup went, Shivam Dube must play at No.4 if Brevis is not available. If two out of those three fire, then CSK will be able to sail through, and the rest can chip in. But if Brevis is there, he will be the icing on the cake,” Sehwag concluded.

Shivam Dube is coming on the back of a solid T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, where he played a crucial role in India’s historic triumph. The all-rounder scored 235 runs in eight innings at an average of 39.16 and at a strike rate of 169.06.