Mumbai, March 26 -- Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has confirmed that he will be opening the batting with the star wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season, starting March 28.

Gaikwad was present at the 'Captains Day' event after attending an all-captain meeting with BCCI in Mumbai on Wednesday. Reacting to a question on the opening pair for the CSK, Ruturaj answered, "Rutu and Sanju", revealing the new batting pair for the IPL 2026.

Samson will represent the CSK for the first time after being traded from the Rajasthan Royals, where he played for 11 seasons. Samson was also named Player of the Tournament in the recently concluded ICC T20 World Cup 2026, where India defeated New Zea...