Kamal Ghorui
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain Ruturaj Gaikwad dropped a hint about the team’s opening combination for the IPL 2026 during the captain’s meet on Wednesday in Mumbai. CSK who had a dismal campaign last year and their top order was a major weakness. They had tried multiple combinations, but all led to disaster. The five-time winners then tried Ayush Mhatre at the top, and he provided some brisk starts.But with CSK roping in Sanju Samson for IPL 2026, the franchise opted to go in with an experienced pair. During the meet Gaikwad was asked about CSK’s opening combination, and the skipper confirmed that he will return to the top of the order, partnering with newly added member in Samson. Samson was traded from Rajasthan Royals to CSK ahead of IPL 2026 mini-auction, with the five-time champions sending Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran in exchange.Ruturaj Gaikwad was also asked about MS Dhoni’s batting position in CSK’s playing XI, but he said fans would have to wait until the team’s first match for clarity.Last season, CSK struggled to find stability at the top. Gaikwad himself batted at No. 3 for a large part of the tournament, while the team rotated between Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, and Rahul Tripathi as openers. After Ruturaj Gaikwad was injured in the mid-tournament youngsters Ayush Mhatre and Dewald Brevis came in as replacements, which pretty much worked for CSK. Mhatre impressed with 240 runs in seven innings at an average of 34.28 and a strike rate of 188.97, including a standout 94 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Meanwhile, Brevis scored 225 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 180 giving CSK a commanding power at the end overs. CSK will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Rajasthan Royals on March 30 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. They will then play their first home game in Chennai on April 3 against Punjab Kings, followed by another home fixture against Delhi Capitals on April 11 at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium.
