India, March 26 -- Chennai Super Kings head into IPL 2026 with arguably the best batting lineup in the entire competition - a stark change from 2025, where their batting was historically poor and their big weakness in a season they finished bottom of the pile.

Thanks to replacement players, savvy trades, and a willingness to go after youth in the auction, it's an interesting, Indian-centric batting unit - but one which will need to settle on a balance quickly. The big question is what the composition of the top three will look like: while captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ayush Mhatre, and fresh acquisition Sanju Samson will play those roles, in exactly what combination is the question.

At the Captains' Meeting in Mumbai on Wednesday evening, Ga...