Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson to open for CSK in IPL 2026, promising a powerful new duo

Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has confirmed he will open the batting with Sanju Samson for IPL 2026. Samson joins CSK after a successful trade.

Key takeaways

Quick scan — what you need to know:

• Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has confirmed he will open the batting with Sanju Samson for IPL 2026.
• Samson joins CSK after a successful trade.
• He was Player of the Tournament in the T20 World Cup.
• CSK aims for a record sixth title after a strong squad formation.

Background

What led here, in plain terms:

• Their season begins March 30 against Rajasthan Royals.
• Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has confirmed he will open the batting with Sanju Samson for IPL 2026.
• Samson joins CSK after a successful trade.
• He was Player of the Tournament in the T20 World Cup.

Why it matters

Why readers and decision-makers should care:

• Samson joins CSK after a successful trade.
• He was Player of the Tournament in the T20 World Cup.
• CSK aims for a record sixth title after a strong squad formation.