Ruturaj Gaikwad (Image: CSK/IPL) Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has hinted at the team’s starting combination for IPL 2026 during the captain’s meeting in Mumbai on Wednesday. CSK who had a dismal campaign last year and their top order was a major weakness. They tried several combinations, but all led to disaster. The five-time winners then tested Ayush Mhatre at the top, and he made quick starts.But with CSK roping in Sanju Samson for IPL 2026, the franchise has decided to go with an experienced pair. During the meeting, Gaikwad was asked about CSK’s opening combination and the skipper confirmed that he will return to the top of the order and work with the new addition in Samson.
Watch
CSK is organizing a fan engagement event in Chepauk ahead of IPL 2026 Samson was traded from Rajasthan Royals to CSK ahead of the 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 eleven, but he said fans will have to wait until the team’s first match to know for sure.Last season, CSK struggled to find stability at the top. Gaikwad himself batted at No.3 for much of the tournament while the team rotated between Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway and Rahul Tripathi as openers. After Ruturaj Gaikwad got injured midway through the tournament, youngsters Ayush Mhatre and Dewald Brevis came in as replacements, which worked for CSK to a large extent. Mhatre has taken 240 runs in seven innings at an average of 34.28 and a strike rate of 188.97, including an excellent 94 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Meanwhile, Brevis scored 225 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 180, giving CSK a commanding edge at the end of the 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 match in Chennai on April 3 against Punjab Kings, followed by another home match against Delhi Capitals on April 11 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
