Ahead of the start of the brand new Indian Premier League edition 2026, there’s a focus on Chennai Super Kings, especially their batting combination up the order.
Ever since Ayush Mhatre has signed up with the team and Sanju Samson has made his way to the team based at Chennai’s iconic Chepauk, fans have been wondering about who or what might the ideal top order combination be.
So ahead of the commencement of the new season, Chennai, most fans are wondering, may actually open with Sanju Samson and Ayush Mhatre.
Ayush Mhatre batted at 3 in the Practice match with Ruturaj & Sanju opening 🦁 - I think that is the perfect hint that Rutu, Sanju, Ayush might be CSK's Top 3. pic.twitter.com/J6eri1QWoz
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 28, 2026
Teams usually don’t experiment too wildly in practice games right before a tournament. Batting positions often reflect: Planned roles Match simulations Team’s Backup strategies
That being said, if Ayush Mhatre came in at 3, possibly suggests:
The side sees him as a top-order stabilizer or aggressor
The right hander is likely ahead of others in the pecking order
And also forgot not the fact that in this initial phase of the IPL 2026, the famed CSK are testing a right-right combination or one that’s a tempo-based combo.
In their scheme of things what’s also essential to understand is where might Ruturaj Gaikwad bat. He’s the captain and on current form their batting ace or the best in the line up.
Also Read | MS Dhoni ruled out of IPL 2026 for first 2 weeks
Having said that where might Ayush bat, even if we have the news reports suggesting he’s stationed up the order, and just what kind of a season might he have this time around, IPL 2026 being his first. Let’s extend him all the very best.
