IPL 2026: With injuries grappling CSK ahead of their season opener against Rajasthan Royals, former India batter Aakash Chopra has suggested the team against pairing Rutuaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson as openers.
Chennai Super Kings should not pair up Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad as openers for their first match of the IPL 2026 season against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati on Monday night, according to former India opener Aakash Chopra.
CSK’s preparations have been rocked in the lead-up to their opening game of the season, with several injuries cropping up in the squad, even ruling out MS Dhoni and Dewald Brevis from the season opener. While Dhoni has not travelled with the squad to Guwahati as he continues to recover from a calf muscle strain, Brevis has been ruled out of the Rajasthan fixture due to a side strain.