Ruturaj Gaikwad reveals CSK’s opening combination ahead of IPL 2026

Ruturaj Gaikwad (Image: CSK/IPL)

chennai super kings (CSK) Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad Information about the team’s opening combination for IPL 2026 was revealed at the captain’s meeting in Mumbai on Wednesday. CSK had a dismal record last year and their top order was a major weakness. They tried various combinations, but all resulted in disaster. The five-time champion then tried the top of Ayush Mhatre, who provided some brisk starts.But with the addition of CSK Sanzhou Samson For IPL 2026, the team has chosen an experienced pair to participate. During the match, Gaikwad was asked about CSK’s opening pairing and the skipper confirmed that he will return to the top of the order, partnering new member Samson. Ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction, Samson was traded to CSK from Rajasthan Royals, five-time champions Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran In exchange.Ruturaj Gaikwad was also asked MS DhoniHis batting position in CSK’s starting XI but he said fans will have to wait until the team’s first game to find out.Last season, CSK struggled to stay consistent in the points table. Gaikwad himself played at No. 3 for most of the match, while the team had Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway and Rahul Tripathi taking turns as openers. After Ruturaj Gaikwad got injured in the middle of the match, youngsters Ayush Mhatre and Dewald Brevis replaced him and it worked very well for CSK. Mhatt scored 240 runs in seven innings at an average of 34.28 and a strike rate of 188.97, including an outstanding 94 against Royal Challengers Bangalore. Brevis, meanwhile, scored 225 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 180 to put CSK in the driver’s seat in the final over. CSK will begin their IPL 2026 season against Rajasthan Royals on March 30 at the Balsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. They will play their first home match against Kings XI Punjab in Chennai on April 3, followed by another home match against Delhi Capitals on April 11 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.