Aakash Chopra picks CSK's top three batsmen for IPL 2026; doesn’t put Sanju Samson as opener

Former India opener Aakash Chopra has given his ideal playing XI for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) following the retention announcement ahead of the IPL 2026 Auction. Despite Sanju Samson getting traded to CSK from the Rajasthan Royals, Chopra hasn't placed the keeper-batter as the opener, backing Ayush Mhatre to partner Ruturaj Gaikwad at the top.

Chopra's CSK XI: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Ayush Mhatre, Sanju Samson,

The Kerala-born cricketer was traded to the Super Kings at a price of ₹18 crore in what proved to be one of the most high-profile trades in history. The elegant right-hander has batted the most in IPL at number three, slotting in at that position on 94 occasions. Samson has opened in the tournament history only 20 times, averaging 26.10 with 783 runs.

Speaking to JioStar, the 48-year-old Chopra said India and the Royals have seen the best of Samson as an opener but reckons Mhatre should be opening due to his outstanding display in his limited opportunities. He reckons CSK must find a potent No.4 batter.

He said, in a video posted by Star Sports:

"The big question that they need to answer is if Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson are opening. The best of Samson has come as an opener, whether for RR or Team India. For now, we have kept him at number three because Ayush Mhatre has been outstanding in the limited games he has played. If they continue with this, they will still need somebody at number four. Overseas options are available. From what we have, we have placed only two overseas players. There's no Matheesha Pathirana, he would've been here. Nathan Ellis can come in place of Pathirana. They need to do something to get a spinner and a middle-order batter there."

Mhatre, who was called in as Ruturaj Gaikwad's injury replacement in IPL 2025, hammered 240 runs in his seven innings in IPL 2025 at 34.28, striking at a healthy 188.27.

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"I see Ravi Bishnoi or Rahul Chahar coming into the team" - Aakash Chopra on CSK's likely targets

Ruturaj Gaikwad will continue to captain CSK. (Credits: Getty)

When asked whether a power-hitter can slot in at the No.4 spot, Chopra said CSK can do that before adding that they need to find spinners. He said:

"It can be David Miller, Liam Livingstone or even Dewald Brevis can go to number four. In terms of spin, I see Ravi Bishnoi or Rahul Chahar coming into the team because they need spinners. Ravichandran Ashwin retired, Ravindra Jadeja traded. Only Shreyas Gopal and Noor Ahmad right now in their squad as far as spinners are concerned. So, Bishnoi can come in and they have a good purse amount."

The five-time champions finished at the bottom of the table in IPL 2025. Gaikwad is set to lead the team in the upcoming season while MS Dhoni, who stepped in as captain after the former's injury, will play at least one more season.