CSK’s Opening Pair for IPL 2026? Aakash Chopra Drops Sanju Samson From the List

Aakash Chopra predicted that CSK will likely open with Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ayush Mhatre in IPL 2026, keeping Sanju Samson at number three.

Chennai Super Kings may not use new signing Sanju Samson as an opener in IPL 2026 despite his strong record at the top. Former India batter Aakash Chopra suggested that CSK could continue with Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ayush Mhatre as their opening pair, placing Samson at number three.

Samson arrived from Rajasthan Royals for Rs 18 crore and has scored 3096 IPL runs at a strike rate of 143.33, with most of his success coming at first drop. Mhatre, who impressed with 240 runs at a strike rate of 188.98 in 2025, remains a key long-term option.

“The big question that they need to answer is if Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson are opening. The best of Samson has come as an opener, whether for RR or Team India. For now, we have kept him at number three because Ayush Mhatre has been outstanding in the limited games he has played. If they continue with this, they will still need somebody at number four,” Chopra said on a Star Sports video.

CSK Expected to Target Overseas Batter for No. 4 Role

If CSK keeps Samson at three, they will also need a stable number four to complete their top order. Aakash Chopra also suggested that Chennai Super Kings could target an overseas middle-order batter and a frontline spinner to strengthen their squad for IPL 2026. He highlighted options such as David Miller, Liam Livingstone or Dewald Brevis for the number-four role.

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“It can be David Miller, Liam Livingstone or even Dewald Brevis can go to number four. In terms of spin, I see Ravi Bishnoi or Rahul Chahar coming into the team because they need spinners. Ravichandran Ashwin retired, Ravindra Jadeja traded. Only Shreyas Gopal and Noor Ahmad right now in their squad as far as spinners are concerned. So, (leg-spinner, Ravi) Bishnoi can come in and they have a good purse amount,” he added.