Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, speaking at the IPL Captains Meet in Mumbai, said he will open for the team alongside wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson in IPL 2026. Samson had joined CSK from RR in a trade deal ahead of IPL 2026 auction for ₹18 crore. Notably, CSK will face RR in their IPL 2026 opener on March 30.