Why didn’t Ruturaj Gaikwad open the innings with Sanju Samson in GT vs CSK clash of IPL 2026?
(Courtesy : BCCI/IPL)
Ruturaj Gaikwad opened the batting in the previous games of CSK.
Gujarat Titans (GT) are taking on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the 66th match of the Indian Premier League 2026 on May 21. The encounter is underway at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
CSK won the toss and opted to field first. GT openers Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill came up with a marvellous start, adding 125 runs for the first wicket. Both of them scored half-centuries. Jos Buttler also played a fantastic knock to drive GT to 229/4.
Mukesh Choudhary, Spencer Johnson, and Anshul Kamboj picked one wicket each for CSK. However, their bowlers failed to get early wickets as GT had a magical outing with bat.
Why Ruturaj Gaikwad did not open for CSK vs GT?
In the chase, CSK surprised many when Matt Short walked out to open the innings with Sanju Samson instead of Ruturaj Gaikwad. The reason for that change in opening combination is yet to be known, but it can be assumed that due to Gaikwad’s poor run of form, he decided to demote himself at three.
The move did not work as Samson lost his wicket for a golden duck in the first over itself. Gaikwad also lost his wicket cheaply, getting out for 16 runs in the 3rd over.
Both Samson and Gaikwad are the leading run-scorers for the side. However, they have flopped with their performance on some occasions, like tonight’s clash.
Meanwhile, this is a do-or-die clash for CSK as they need to win it at any cost to keep their playoffs hopes alive. They are currently placed in the seventh spot in the points table with 12 points. GT have qualified for the playoffs.
Who opened for Chennai Super Kings in GT vs CSK clash?
Sanju Samson and Matt Short are the openers for CSK.
Who are the openers for CSK in the clash against GT?
Sanju Samson and Matt Short are the openers for CSK in the clash.
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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.