Chennai Super Kings' captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, dropped a huge hint regarding the opening combination of IPL 2026 and has given the fans a clue on how the five-time champions intend to fix a major weakness of the previous season.

In an interview with the broadcasters during the captains' meet in Mumbai on March 25, Gaikwad assured that he will be back in his favourite position at the head of the list, this time with a newly purchased star, Sanju Samson.

Last year was a dismal season for CSK, as the unstable top order was an issue of concern. The team tried various combinations of opens, yet none of them produced consistent results. The management has now chosen experience and good performance, even though the young talents, such as Ayush Mhatre, had good potential in the latter part of the tournament.

The arrival of Samson after a high-profile deal with the Rajasthan Royals, in which Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran were exchanged in the opposite direction, is a clear indication that they want to solidify the batting core.

A fresh start at the top for CSK, but questions remain

The confirmation of Gaikwad is a move back to a known territory, yet one must wonder what will become of the rest of the batters. What is the role of MS Dhoni? Gaikwad was tight-lipped when asked about the batting position of Dhoni and said that fans would have to wait until the first game to know. This creates a sense of mystery to the plans of CSK, given the changing role of Dhoni in the last few seasons.

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Gaikwad himself spent most of the tournament at No. 3 last year, and the team alternated between the likes of Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway and Rahul Tripathi at the top. Halfway through the season, injuries meant further alterations, and youngsters Ayush Mhatre and Dewald Brevis took their places. Both were an instant hit, Mhatre registering 240 runs in seven innings with an impressive strike rate of 188.97, including an amazing 94 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Brevis with 225 runs in six innings, offering blistering finishing shots.

Having a more established top order now, CSK will look forward to a better IPL 2026 start. They will start their campaign against the Rajasthan Royals on March 30 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. This will be followed by them going home to deal with the Punjab Kings on April 3, after which they will play the Delhi Capitals on April 11 at the legendary MA Chidambaram Stadium.