Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has always been one of the teams that divides opinion before the IPL season. Critics write them off, fans support them unconditionally, and somewhere in between, The Yellow Army quietly tries to find a way to stay relevant.
IPL 2026 not different. CSK finished bottom of the table last season and the rebuild since then has been significant with new faces, new combinations and a new sense of purpose in the camp. They launch their campaigns March 30 against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati.
With a new-look top order, many assumed that the identity of the main run-scorer for CSK was pretty clear. But Ravichandran AshwinNever follow conventional thinking, there is a completely different take.
Ravichandran Ashwin picks CSK’s best batsman for IPL 2026
Ashwin supported Ruturaj Gaikwad it’s over Sanju Samson As CSK’s best batter for IPL 2026. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he said: “Ruturaj would be CSK’s best batsman. I think he will bat at No. 3 slot. His role will be to keep the innings consistent. He will act as the anchor and the other batsmen will give a tough fight against the bowlers. So I think he will be top of the batting charts for CSK.”
This is a really interesting call. Samson came to CSK as the most exciting batsman of the season. Player of the Tournament too ICC T20 World Cup 2026with more 300 runs and three match-winning fifties to his name.
But Gaikwad’s recent form makes Ashwin’s argument difficult to dismiss. in the year Vijay Hazare trophyCSK captain scored 413 runs one in seven matches average 82.60 and a the strike rate is around 116two and a half centuries old. For someone returning from an injury-plagued IPL 2025 where he managed just five matches, these numbers say everything about his current mindset.
Also READ: Ruturaj Gaikwad hints at a new opening pair for CSK in IPL 2026
Bigger picture for CSK this season
Ashwin believes that at least two of CSK’s top three batsmen need to cross 500 runs each for the team to qualify for the playoffs. He also admitted that their bowling isn’t the strongest on paper and the team management will need to find consistent wickets, something CSK have managed in the past by picking the right match winners at the right time.
There is one more advantage that Ashwin points out that does not appear in any squad sheet. Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewoodand Mitchell Starc all will miss some matches during the season due to injury ie SRH and RCB will not be at full strength early. If CSK can build momentum before these squads are complete, they could find themselves in a very strong position by the time they reach the competition.
Timing is everything for a five-time champion franchise that knows how to peak when it counts. If Gaikwad lives up to Ashwin’s prediction, CSK could be enough to make a real push this season.
Also READ: BCCI announces IPL 2026 second leg schedule
