Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Has always been one of those teams that divides opinions before every IPL season. Critics dismiss them, fans support them unconditionally, and somewhere, the Yellow Army quietly finds a way to remain relevant.
ipl 2026 Is no different. CSK finished last season at the bottom of the table, and the rebuilding work since then has been crucial with new faces, new combinations and a new sense of purpose in the camp. they start their campaign 30 March against Rajasthan Royals In Guwahati.
With the new-look top order, many assumed that the identity of the main run-scorer for CSK was quite clear. But Ravichandran AshwinNever one to follow conventional thinking, has a completely different viewpoint.
Ravichandran Ashwin picks CSK’s top batsman for IPL 2026
Ashwin supported Ruturaj Gaikwad Above sanju samson As CSK’s best batsman for IPL 2026. Speaking on his YouTube channel he said, “Ruturaj will be CSK’s best batsman. I think he will bat at the No. 3 position. His role will be to keep the innings going. He will play the anchor role while other batsmen will work hard against the bowlers. That’s why I think he will top the batting charts for CSK.”
This is a really interesting call. Samson’s arrival to CSK is arguably the most exciting batting acquisition of this season best player of the tournament But ICC T20 World Cup 2026more than this 300 runs And he has three match-winning fifties to his name.
But Gaikwad’s recent form makes it difficult to refute Ashwin’s argument. In Vijay Hazare TrophyCSK captain scored runs 413 runs seven matches at a time average of 82.60 and a Strike rate near 116With two centuries and one half-century. For someone returning from an injury-plagued IPL 2025 where he could play only five matches, these stats say everything about his current mindset.
Also read: Ruturaj Gaikwad hints at new opening pair for CSK in IPL 2026
Big picture for CSK this season
Ashwin believes that at least two of CSK’s top three batsmen will have to cross the 500-run mark for the team to qualify for the playoffs. He also admitted that their bowling is not the strongest on paper, and the team management needs to find consistent wicket-takers, something CSK has done in the past by identifying the right match-winners at the right time.
Ashwin pointed out another advantage which is not visible in any squad sheet. pat cummins, Josh HazlewoodAnd Mitchell Starc Will miss all but a few matches during the season due to injury, meaning SRH And rcb Will not be at full strength in the beginning. If CSK can build momentum before those teams are done, they could find themselves in a very strong position before the competition heats up.
For the five-time champion franchise, which knows how to rise to the top when needed, timing is everything. And if Gaikwad lives up to Ashwin’s predictions, CSK could have enough to make a real breakthrough this season.
Also read: BCCI announces the schedule of the second phase of IPL 2026