The most likely CSK openers for IPL 2026 are Ayush Mhatre and Sanju Samson, with Ruturaj Gaikwad moving permanently to his preferred No. 3 role. Sanju’s arrival almost solidifies this setup. It gives CSK an aggressive yet experienced powerplay batter alongside a fearless young enforcer, instantly addressing the instability that has plagued their opening combinations over the last two seasons and anchoring the franchise’s wider structural reset for 2026.
Who Can Open for CSK in IPL 2026?
The debate around CSK openers for IPL 2026 is no longer speculative—it is structural. Ruturaj Gaikwad has committed to batting at No. 3, Ayush Mhatre has exploded onto the scene as a 17-year-old phenomenon, and MS Dhoni is entering what is likely his final competitive stretch. Together, these transitions force Chennai Super Kings to rethink their approach from the very first over.
CSK openers troubles in Powerplay
With the auction done, the focus shifts purely to execution. Chennai Super Kings must address their dipping powerplay run rate from 2025 and devise a clear top-order strategy that maximises intent early without exposing the middle order too soon.
Aayush Mhatre: The Confirmed First Opener
Ayush Mhatre isn’t just a promising teenager; he is CSK’s most uncompromisable asset among CSK openers. His 2025 breakout—240 runs in seven matches at a strike rate touching 190—instantly cemented him as a long-term starter.
What sets Ayush apart is his unfiltered powerplay intent. There is no hesitation and no anchoring—only clean, repeatable hitting against both pace and spin. That reliability gives CSK the aggressive foundation they have lacked since Devon Conway’s exit. Simply by being fearless, Ayush stabilises the structure and allows the rest of the CSK batting order to fall into place naturally.
Who Should Partner with Ayush Mhatre? CSK Openers 2026 Breakdown
With Ruturaj Gaikwad settling at No. 3 and Ayush Mhatre locked in as the first name among CSK openers, the real question becomes unavoidable: who walks out with Ayush? The answer will decide not just the top order, but CSK’s entire XI.
Sanju Samson
Sanju Samson is not just an option anymore; he is the reality. CSK did not trade for a stopgap. They brought in a 31-year-old, long-term T20 asset who has already proven himself as an opener for India and in the IPL. With over 4,700 IPL runs at a strike rate of around 140, pushing Sanju to open alongside Ayush would immediately supercharge the powerplay.
More importantly, Sanju’s move almost solidifies the opening structure. It creates clarity, unlocks an all-Indian top order, and frees CSK to use overseas slots for bowling and finishing depth—an area that hurt them badly in 2025.
Overseas CSK Opener (Devon Conway Replacement)
The alternate path is a return to tradition. Across CSK’s title-winning eras, one pattern stands tall: when an overseas opener controlled the powerplay, CSK looked like champions. Names like Matthew Hayden, Mike Hussey, Faf du Plessis, and Devon Conway defined this template.
If CSK revert to that model in 2026, an overseas opener alongside Ayush—Matthew Short is the only viable option in the squad, as he is the sole foreign batter with consistent experience opening the innings.
This keeps Sanju Samson in the middle order and deepens the batting around Dhoni. The trade-off is clear, though: burning an overseas slot at the top reduces flexibility and forces players like Shivam Dube to bowl regularly.
In-Squad Alternative: Urvil Patel
On paper, Urvil Patel offers flexibility. In reality, he is insurance. He is not in the same bracket as Sanju Samson. His value lies in being a domestic plug-in option if injuries strike, without forcing CSK to reshuffle their settled top three.
Statistical & Analytical Comparison of CSK Openers
A clearer look at the available data helps frame the CSK openers debate for IPL 2026. Ayush Mhatre has already displayed elite powerplay tempo in a limited window. Sanju Samson brings proven aggression across IPL and international cricket, while Ruturaj Gaikwad offers long-term stability, now best suited to No. 3. Even Urvil Patel, in a very small sample, has shown the ability to strike cleanly in the powerplay.
Rather than projecting outcomes, the snapshot below outlines what each option already brings in the first six overs.
Powerplay Performance Snapshot
Note: Data reflects limited sample sizes and role-based usage, not future projections.
| Player | Powerplay Runs / Impact | Powerplay Strike Rate | Key Takeaway |
| Ayush Mhatre | 177 runs (2025) | 190+ | Natural powerplay enforcer with fearless intent |
| Sanju Samson | Consistent IPL & T20I output | ~140 (IPL) | Proven aggressor; scales tempo with experience |
| Ruturaj Gaikwad | Strong career PP base | ~126 | Stability-first; now better suited to No. 3 |
| Urvil Patel | Small domestic sample | 220+ | Clean striker, but limited exposure |
This comparison underlines why Ayush Mhatre sets the tempo, Sanju Samson raises the ceiling, and Ruturaj Gaikwad anchors the structure, making the opening combination a question of balance rather than raw numbers.
Best Opening Pair for CSK in IPL 2026
Sanju Samson and Ayush Mhatre are the best CSK openers for IPL 2026.
This combination offers the most balance, clarity, and long-term value for Chennai Super Kings. It fixes the powerplay problem, stabilises the batting order, and strengthens every department without forcing compromises elsewhere.
Why This Pair Works Best
- All-Indian top four
Sanju, Ayush, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Shivam Dube give CSK control and continuity at the top. - Ruturaj’s natural role at No. 3
He anchors where he is most effective, without being rushed in the powerplay. - Explosive yet controlled powerplay
Sanju’s clean ball-striking pairs perfectly with Ayush’s fearless tempo from ball one. - Overseas depth where it matters
Free overseas slots allow CSK to load the lower order and bowling with impact players like Dewald Brevis, Nathan Ellis, Noor Ahmad, or Akeal Hosein. - Long-term stability
This pairing future-proofs the top order while easing pressure on an ageing MS Dhoni.
Who Should Open for CSK in IPL 2026?
Choosing Sanju Samson to open alongside Ayush Mhatre finally gives CSK clarity at the top. No more reactive powerplays. No more catch-up cricket. With intent on both sides and structure behind them, CSK start innings on the front foot again.
The verdict is clear: Sanju Samson and Ayush Mhatre should open for CSK in IPL 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will open for CSK in IPL 2026?
Sanju Samson and Ayush Mhatre are the strongest predicted opening pair, offering the perfect mix of aggression and stability.
Is Ayush Mhatre likely to be part of CSK’s plan?
Absolutely. After his breakout in 2025, Ayush is locked in as a long-term opener and central to CSK’s future structure.
Will CSK promote Sanju Samson as an opener?
Highly likely, as it maximises CSK’s powerplay impact and frees overseas slots for bowlers and all-rounders.
