Why are CSK not opening with Ayush Mhatre in IPL 2026?
(Courtesy : BCCI/IPL)
Ayush Mhatre is batting at No.3 for CSK in IPL 2026.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) made a humiliating start to Indian Premier League 2026, losing their opening game against Rajasthan Royals (RR) by eight wickets. They are clashing with Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their second game on Friday, April 3.
Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad are the new pair of openers for Chennai in IPL 2026. However, both of them completely failed in their opening game, getting out for just six runs.
In the second game too, Sanju could not make a mark, getting out for seven runs at the start. However, one-down Ayush Mhatre gave a brilliant start with his aggressive batting show. He scored a quick-fire half-century and etched a crucial stand with Gaikwad for the second wicket.
Notably, Mhatre played as an opener for Chennai last season. Scoring 240 runs in seven games at a strike rate of 188.98, he impressed with his performance. He also scored one half-century. He was retained by the franchise for IPL 2026 but was replaced as an opener.
Why is Ayush Mhatre not opening for CSK in IPL 2026?
Samson joined CSK through a trade ahead of IPL 2026. He is an opening batter for India in T20Is. He also showed a brilliant form in the T20 World Cup 2026 last month, finishing as the leading run-scorer for India.
Samson also scored match-winning half-centuries in the semi-final and the final. Due to his recent success and brilliant form, CSK made him the opener alongside Gaikwad. Moreover, both Gaikwad and Samson are much more experienced batters than Mhatre in the IPL. Hence, they were given preference in the opening slot.
Speaking about the encounter, CSK were asked to bat first by PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer. After losing Samson early, they crossed 100 runs in the 10 overs and are en route to a big total.
Who are the openers for CSK in IPL 2026?
Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad are openers for CSK in the tournament.
Ayush Mhatre is part of which team in IPL 2026?
He is part of Chennai Super Kings in the tournament.
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Vikas Singh Derek is a core cricket-lover since childhood and has always followed the sport both in his personal and professional life. He started his school life by watching cricket at home with family. Later, he played cricket on the field at local clubs during college. After his Master's in Journalism from Mumbai, he followed his passion by covering cricket news across various digital media. Since 2015, he has been an aspiring sports journalist and cricket content writer with over 50K+ articles.