'Both of them have different strengths' - Legendary Indian spinner predicts whether Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson can open for CSK

Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin feels that if his former side, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), use captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and their latest recruit Sanju Samson as openers, it would bode well for the five-time champions. According to Ashwin, Ruturaj and Samson score their runs in contrasting styles, which could make it hard for the opposition bowlers to contain them when they are in full flow.

Samson moved to CSK earlier this month after the Rajasthan Royals (RR) traded him to the Men in Yellow in exchange for experienced all-rounders Sam Curran and Ravindra Jadeja.

“There is pedigree with Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson. Pedigree means you making quality runs and sustaining that for a period of time. We must not forget that. For me, I would love to see both of them go hammer and tongs at the opening slot. Both of them have different strengths. One is a caresser of the ball, while the other guy hits it hard so both of those qualities are there. So I will look at it in that fashion that I have two good openers,” said Ashwin on his Youtube Channel.

Ashwin feels that Ruturaj could bat at No. 3 in IPL 2026, as he is performing the role at Maharashtra of late. The former also picked Urvil Patel and Ayush Mhatre, two talented players who could bat in CSK's top order.

“But the early signs are that Ruturaj wants to bat at number 3 because he’s also batting at no 3 for Maharashtra. Which begs the question where will Urvil Patel bat? CSK are looking at Andre Russell very hard. Let’s see who all are there in the auction. I still think Urvil Patel can play at no 4. But then if he comes at number 4 it becomes completely right handed. But Urvil takes on the powerplay. So if we open with Rutu and Sanju, Urvil can come in at number 3 but Ayush has scored runs. It’s a tricky question but we’ll see how they solve their top four conundrum?,” he added.