The excitement to come Indian Premier League 2026 continues to grow as teams finalize their combinations for what promises to be another blockbuster season. Five-time champions Chennai Super Kings enter the tournament with a significantly revamped squad and a new tactical direction.
The franchise made headlines with a huge trade for Sanju Samson, signaling a new era built around youth and attacking cricket. Along with the captain Ruturaj GaikwadThe franchise has strong faith in a younger core to lead their revival after a disappointing campaign last season.
As the debate rages around the team combinations, the former India all-rounder and coach Sanjay Bangar now shared his thoughts on what could be the ideal batting line-up for CSK in the upcoming season.
Sanjay Bangar outlines CSK’s probable batting line-up
Speaking to Star Sports, Bangar stressed that Gaikwad needs to continue to open the innings, insisting that the CSK skipper delivers his best performances at the top of the order. According to Bangar, the team experimented with Gaikwad and splitting the opening partnership in the previous season Devon Conwayhoping to strengthen the middle order. However, he believes that the approach did not produce the desired results.
“Ruturaj Gaikwad should only bat at the top of the order. Last year they tried to separate Devon Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad so that all the cream would not be at the top. But that thought process didn’t work for them. Ruturaj Gaikwad played his best cricket at the top of the order,” Bangar said.
The former India batting coach has suggested Gaikwad to open alongside promising youngster Ayush Mhatre, creating an aggressive opening pair that can set the tone in the powerplay. Bangar also backed Samson to settle at No. 3, which would have allowed the dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman to stabilize the innings while maintaining a high scoring rate.
Further down the order, Bangar believes the explosive Dewald Brevis should man the No.4 position, providing attacking intent in the middle innings. He added that either all-rounder Shivam Dube or youngster Karthik Sharma could fill the No.5 spot depending on match conditions and team balance.
Bangar also noted that CSK have considerable batting depth this season, giving them the flexibility to adopt a more aggressive approach compared to previous campaigns.
“He is playing very well there and Ayush Mhatre is playing with him. I see Sanju Samson playing at No. 3. Devald Brevis will play at No. 4. Either Shivam Dube or Karthik Sharma can come in at No. 5. As far as the new approach is concerned, I think this team has a lot of strength in the batting department.” Part added.
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Big expectations from the five-time champions
CSK head into IPL 2026 with a clear comeback story after finishing at the bottom of the points table in 2025. The franchise has taken bold steps to rebuild its squad, shifting focus from seasoned veterans to a dynamic group of young Indian talent. The blockbuster trade for Samson is expected to play a key role in revamping CSK’s batting line-up. The wicketkeeper-batsman will share the responsibility with Gaikwad in shaping the top order of the team and leading the side in high-pressure situations.
Like fans, they’re eager to see how impatient prospects are Prashant Veer and Karthik Sharma as performing in the absence of the brave for a long time Ravindra Jadeja. Their emergence could determine the success of CSK’s youth-led rebuild. Meanwhile, the presence of the veteran icon MS Dhoni continues to provide invaluable leadership within the staff. While Dhoni is primarily expected to operate as a finisher or tactical Impact Player, his experience remains a vital asset as CSK chase a record sixth IPL title.
CSK’s campaign will begin with a high-profile clash against Rajasthan Royals on March 30, a match that could provide a first glimpse of how their new-look squad performs under pressure.
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