Sanju Samson's inclusion forces huge change in CSK's batting order in IPL 2026; Ruturaj Gaikwad reveals new opening pair

U-19 World Cup Indian captain Ayush Mhatre will not be opening the batting for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) on Wednesday, revealed captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. Initially, the five-time champions started with Rachin Ravindra opening with with Rahul Tripathi. Thereafter, the likes of Devon Conway, Sheik Rasheed and Ayush Mhatre were tried at the top of the order but without much success.

With just two days to go before the season kicks off, Gaikwad revealed that he will be opening the batting for CSK in IPL 2026 along with new recruit Sanju Samson. With MS Dhoni at 44, CSK have acquired the services of Samson from Rajasthan Royals in one of the most notable trade deals before the IPL 2026 mini-auction last year.

During the IPL captain's meet in Mumbai, Gaikwad was given three opening options. “You didn't reveal MSD's batting position, but you can say this, Ayush Mhatre-Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad-Sanju Samson or Ayush Mhatre-Ruturaj Gaikwad, who's opening for CSK,” the interviewer asked the skipper. In reply, Gaikwad kept it short, “Rutu and Sanju.”

Why CSK opted for Sanju Samson as opener?

Samson has been hugely successful as an