CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad confirmed he will open the batting with new recruit Sanju Samson for IPL 2026, addressing the team’s top-order struggles from last season. While Gaikwad’s opening partner is set, MS Dhoni’s batting position remains a mystery until the first match. The team also saw promising performances from youngsters Ayush Mhatre and Dewald Brevis as replacements last year.
