Chennai, December 22:
Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has picked his best possible Chennai Super Kings (CSK) XI for IPL 2026, suggesting Sanju Samson as an opener while placing veteran MS Dhoni at number seven in the batting order.
Ashwin said Samson’s aggressive intent and ability to score quickly in the powerplay make him an ideal choice at the top of the order. He added that a strong opening partnership would allow CSK to dominate early overs and set a solid foundation for the middle order.
Explaining Dhoni’s position, Ashwin noted that batting at number seven would allow the former India captain to play a finishing role while also managing workload during the long tournament. He emphasised Dhoni’s experience and calmness as crucial assets in pressure situations.
Cricket experts said Ashwin’s XI reflects a balance between youth and experience, with flexibility in batting depth and bowling options. The discussion around CSK’s possible lineup has generated strong interest among fans ahead of the IPL 2026 season.
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