Ruturaj Gaikwad drops big hint on CSK’s new opening combination for IPL 2026

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has dropped a strong hint about the team’s opening combination for IPL 2026, confirming that he will open the innings alongside star wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson.

Speaking at the IPL 2026 captains’ meet in Mumbai after attending an all-captains meeting with the BCCI, Gaikwad was asked about CSK’s likely top-order plans. In response, he revealed that he will return to the opening slot, partnering with Samson at the top of the order, simply stating, “Rutu and Sanju,” to confirm the new batting pair.

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Samson, who was impressive as an opener in the recently concluded T20 World Cup, played a crucial role in stabilising India’s batting during pressure situations and was even named Player of the Tournament as India defeated New Zealand in the final to retain the title. His addition at the top is expected to bring much-needed balance and firepower to CSK after a disappointing campaign last season.

CSK’s top order was one of their biggest concerns in the previous IPL edition. The franchise experimented with multiple combinations but failed to find consistency. Gaikwad himself played at No. 3 for a large part of the season, while Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, and Rahul Tripathi were rotated as openers without any sustained success.

In the latter half of the season, CSK turned to youngsters Ayush Mhatre and Dewald Brevis, who provided a much-needed spark at the top. Mhatre scored 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 (RCB), while Brevis amassed 225 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 180.

Samson’s arrival at CSK came via a major trade with Rajasthan Royals ahead of the auction, in which CSK sent Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran the other way in a high-profile deal.

CSK will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Rajasthan Royals at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on March 30. Their first home game in Chennai will be on April 3 against Punjab Kings, followed by a clash against Delhi Capitals on April 11 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.