 "Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson and Ayush Mhatre are set to form the top three of CSK for next season. Reuters")
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) faced the ignominy of finishing last in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the first time last season. The five-time champions had such serious issues with both batting and bowling that they could not change their fortunes even after MS Dhoni took over the captaincy due to Ruturaj Gaikwad’s injury.
CSK could win only four out of their 14 matches last season and there were problems aplenty for the side. However, even before the auction, one of their big issues from last year appears to be resolved, at least on paper.
CSK bolster top order
CSK were the worst performing side in the powerplay last season. Gaikwad could not play much due to injury and their Indian as well as overseas recruits kept failing. They were the slowest scoring side in the first six overs and lost the most wickets in that period in the league stage.
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But the signings of some quality replacement players late in the season coupled with the blockbuster Sanju Samson trade deal is set to make them a better powerplay side this year.
Samson, who was the permanent India T20I opener until very recently, brings power, elegance and stability to the top order apart from his wealth of experience. With him joining Gaikwad at the top, opposition teams are set to have a tough time in the powerplay.
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View AllHowever, Gaikwad and Samson might not get to open with a young Ayush Mhatre entering the picture.
Mhatre on fire in SMAT
Mhatre was not even bought at the last IPL auction. He was just 17 then and even though the talent was apparent, teams passed on him thinking he was too raw. But, he wasn’t.
CSK signed Mhatre as the replacement for their skipper Gaikwad and the teenager took the IPL by storm. In just seven matches he scored 240 runs at a strike rate of 189. His exploits ensured his retention and the youngster further locked down the opening spot for himself with a century in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Just on Friday, he broke Rohit Sharma’s record to become the youngest centurion in all three formats of cricket as he slammed 110 not out against a strong Vidarbha bowling line-up.
Another replacement signing Urvil Patel also smacked a 31-ball century in Gujarat’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy opener against Services. And despite this, he might not even make the CSK playing XI.
The team that was struggling to find batters with intent in the 2025 edition will not even be able to play a hard-hitter like Urvil. Such dramatic is the change in CSK.
CSK IPL 2026 batting line-up
Mhatre, Samson and Gaikwad would most likely be the top three of CSK in the coming season with Shivam Dube and Dewald Brevis to follow. Power, stability, youth, experience, this top five has it all.
However, with Jadeja’s departure, a hole has developed in the lower order. They do have the second highest purse and it will be really surprising if they will not get one of Cameron Green or Andre Russell in the auction.
Add a Russell at six with Dhoni to follow and CSK might turn out to be among the most dangerous batting units next season.
Even though the batting issues look settled, bowling, especially spin, might become a concern for Chennai and they will have to do some good shopping at the upcoming IPL auction.