Before IPL 2026, all 10 teams had a meeting with BCCI, for which Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, who reached Mumbai, revealed that Sanju Samson will open for the team. CSK has included Sanju in their team through trade, in exchange for whom they let go of former franchise captain Ravindra Jadeja. Sanju is being considered as Dhoni’s successor.

Before the captains’ meeting, Star Sports presenter asked Ruturaj Gaikwad about the opening pair. He said, “You did not reveal about the batting order of MS Dhoni, you said that it will be known when the time comes. But you can tell about the batting order of the team. Ayush Mhatre and Sanju Samson, Rituraj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson or Rituraj and Ayush Mhatre, who will open?”

CSK’s opening pair revealed

Ruturaj Gaikwad confirmed that Sanju Samson and himself will open for CSK in IPL 2026. Sanju performed brilliantly as an opener in the T20 World Cup 2026 and scored more than 300 runs in just 5 matches. Sanju was chosen the best player of the tournament. Now he would like to continue the same performance in IPL also.

From the skipper himself @Ruutu1331 reveals CSK’s opening pair at #CaptainsDay #TATAIPL 2026 Starts 28 Mar, 5:30 PM pic.twitter.com/xOhS4GOmUC

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 26, 2026

In such a situation, the question arises that in which order will Ayush Mhatre play, will he come at number three or can Urvil Patel play in his place at this position. Urvil is also a strong contender. All-rounder Shivam Dubey can play at number four and Dewald Brevis can play at number five. Prashant Veer may get a chance to debut in the first match. CSK bought him for Rs 14.2 crore. Dhoni can come to bat at number six or seven.