Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Captain Rituraj Gaikwad dropped a hint about the initial team combination for IPL 2026 during the captain’s meeting in Mumbai on Wednesday. CSK had a disappointing campaign last year and their top order was a major weakness. They had tried several combinations, but all led to disaster. The five-time winners then tested Ayush Mahatre at the top, and he provided some quick starts.But with CSK Sanju Samson For IPL 2026, the franchise opted to go with an experienced duo. During the meeting, Gaekwad was asked about CSK’s opening combination, and the skipper confirmed that he will return to the top of the order, partnering the newly added member in Samson. Samson was traded from Rajasthan Royals to CSK ahead of the IPL 2026 mini auction, which saw five-time champions Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran In returnRutoraj Gaikwad was also asked. MS DhoniCSK has the batting position in the playing XI, but he said fans will have to wait for the team’s first match to be clear.Last season, CSK struggled to find consistency at the top. Gaikwad himself batted at No. 3 for a large part of the tournament, while the team rotated between Rachan Ravindra, Dion Conway, and Rahul Tripathi as openers. Youngsters Ayush Mahatre and Devald Brews came in as replacements after Rutoraj Gaekwad got injured midway through the tournament, who did a lot for CSK. Mahatre impressed with 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 Bangalore. Meanwhile, Brews scored 225 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 180 and provided commanding power to CSK in the final overs. CSK will begin their IPL 2026 campaign on March 30 against Rajasthan Royals at the Barspara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. They will then play their first home match in Chennai on April 3 against Punjab Kings, followed by the second home match against Delhi Capitals on April 11 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
