Overview
- Ravichandran Ashwin said Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson could be a strong opening combination because their batting strengths complement each other.
- He noted Gaikwad has recently batted at No. 3 for Maharashtra and may want that role for CSK, complicating the opening plans.
- Ashwin identified Urvil Patel and Ayush Mhatre as contenders for top-order slots depending on how CSK structures the first three positions.
- He added that CSK are considering Andre Russell in the auction, highlighting ongoing decisions about balance and power-hitting.
- The discussion follows Samson’s trade to CSK in exchange for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran, with the batting order still unsettled for IPL 2026.