Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fans have been eagerly waiting for clarity on the team’s batting plans ahead of the IPL 2026 season. The five-time champions had a tough time in 2025, experimenting with several top-order combinations that didn’t quite click as expected. Now, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has given a clear update that has created buzz around the Yellow Army’s new look.

Speaking on the sidelines of the IPL captains’ meet, Ruturaj confirmed that he will return to the top of the order and open the innings alongside the newly acquired Sanju Samson. This marks a fresh start for CSK’s powerplay strategy, moving away from the experiments of the previous season.

CSK look to strengthen their top order for IPL 2026

Ruturaj is known for his elegant strokeplay and ability to build innings with consistency. He has been a reliable performer for CSK over the years and thrives when given the responsibility at the top. Bringing him back as an opener allows him to set the tone right from the first ball.

Samson, on the other hand, brings explosive power and fearless batting. He had a strong showing as an opener in recent international cricket, including the T20 World Cup 2026. Samson’s ability to hit big shots and accelerate quickly complements Ruturaj’s more measured approach perfectly. One provides classy shots while the other adds raw aggression, and together they can put early pressure on opposition bowlers.

This combination also gives CSK flexibility in the middle order. Youngster Ayush Mhatre, who impressed with his aggressive starts in 2025, is likely to slot in at number three. Players like Dewald Brevis and Shivam Dube can then strengthen the middle order, with MS Dhoni expected to play his finisher role lower down. The idea seems to be building a balanced lineup that mixes experience with youthful energy.

Former CSK spinner Ravichandran Ashwin had earlier spoken in favour of this pairing, highlighting the “pedigree” both batters bring and how their different styles can trouble bowling attacks.

Also READ: Aakash Chopra predicts CSK’s probable XI for IPL 2026

What went wrong in 2025 and the need for change

Last season was challenging for Chennai Super Kings. The team tried multiple options at the top, including Rachin Ravindra and others, while Ruturaj himself batted at number three for parts of the campaign. While some youngsters showed promise, the top order often failed to give strong starts consistently.

By trading for Samson (in a deal that involved outgoing players like Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran), CSK have brought in a proven T20 batter who can handle the opening role with confidence. Ruturaj’s decision to open again shows the captain’s willingness to lead from the front and fix the areas that hurt the team last year.

This move signals that CSK are keen to play a more proactive and aggressive brand of cricket in the powerplay. In T20 cricket, a solid yet attacking opening pair can make a huge difference, especially at venues like Chepauk, where early momentum matters.

CSK will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Rajasthan Royals on March 30, where the new opening pair of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson is expected to be in focus.

Also READ: At what price did CSK sign Spencer Johnson as a replacement for Nathan Ellis in IPL 2026?

Abhishek Sharma (ANI Photo)

NEW DELHI: Former India cricketer Yograj Singh has come down heavily on Abhishek Sharma despite India’s T20 World Cup 2026 triumph, questioning the opener’s focus and discipline after what he termed an inconsistent campaign.Abhishek endured a mixed tournament in his maiden World Cup appearance. After starting with three consecutive ducks, he showed glimpses of his explosive ability with a half-century in the Super 8 stage and a stunning 19-ball fifty in the final against New Zealand. However, with just 141 runs in eight matches overall, his form remained under scrutiny.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Speaking to InsideSport, Yograj did not mince words while assessing the youngster’s performances. “You fail because your mind is somewhere else. What is happening to Shubman Gill, Abhishek? The failure comes only when your mind is diverted somewhere else. That is what is happening with Abhishek,” he said.The former cricketer also pointed to off-field distractions, stressing the importance of discipline. “The guy walks around doing reels; that isn’t his job. He should bloody well go to bed at 9 PM, wake up at 5 AM, and play a thousand balls,” Yograj added, underlining the work ethic required at the highest level.Yograj, whose son Yuvraj Singh has played a key role in shaping Abhishek’s game, drew comparisons while highlighting the importance of discipline. “It would take him another age to go closer to Yuvraj Singh. The whole universe works on discipline. That’s how cricketers should work. Where are cricketers going wrong? Parties, girls, money, shooting all the time,” he said.‘You cannot keep hitting sixes…’He further criticised Abhishek’s approach with the bat, particularly his tendency to go aerial too often. “I’m very disgusted with him (Abhishek). There are times when I drop him messages – don’t take this game for granted. He will always say ‘yes, sir’. There is something called a single, a double, and a boundary. Every time you cannot hit the ball in the air. You cannot keep hitting sixes and entertaining the crowd. You will fail,” Yograj stated.While Abhishek’s fearless batting remains a vital asset for India, Yograj’s remarks serve as a stark reminder that consistency, discipline, and game awareness are crucial to sustaining success at the highest level.

Imagine boarding a flight from a small city airport that barely existed a few years ago, that’s the kind of connectivity India is now aiming to expand. The Centre has given the green signal to UDAN 2.0, a revamped version of the Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik scheme, with an outlay of over Rs 28,000 crore to further boost regional air travel.The modified scheme focuses on strengthening regional air connectivity through new airport infrastructure, enhanced financial support for airlines, and operational assistance for smaller aerodromes. It builds on the original UDAN initiative launched in 2016, which has already connected 95 airports and facilitated over 3.41 lakh flights, carrying more than 162 lakh passengers.The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the launch and implementation of the Regional Connectivity Scheme – Modified UDAN (UDAN 2.0) for a 10-year period from FY 2026–27 to FY 2035–36, with a total outlay of Rs 28,840 crore.

How will UDAN 2.0 benefit consumers?

Aimed at significantly expanding affordable air connectivity across the country, especially in underserved and unserved regions, UDAN 2.0 is expected to bring wide-ranging benefits for consumers and the broader economy. The scheme will improve air connectivity to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, making air travel more accessible and affordable for a larger section of the population. It is also likely to boost tourism, trade and local economies by improving regional access and mobility. For consumers, it will enhance access to healthcare and emergency services in remote areas by reducing travel time to major centres. In addition, the scheme will strengthen regional aviation infrastructure, support indigenous aerospace manufacturing under the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, and contribute to the long-term goal of Viksit Bharat 2047 by building a more connected and inclusive transport network across the country.

Key features of the UDAN 2.0 scheme

Expansion of airport infrastructureIn a major push to bring unserved and underserved regions of India onto the aviation map, the Modi government on Wednesday approved a modified Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) for a 10-year period with a budget outlay of Rs 28,840 crore. Under the plan, 100 airports will be developed at existing unserved airstrips to strengthen regional connectivity, at a cost of Rs 12,159 crore.Support for aerodrome operation and maintenanceTo ensure sustainability of low-traffic regional airports, the government will provide Operation & Maintenance (O&M) support for three years. The assistance is capped at Rs 3.06 crore per airport annually and Rs 0.90 crore per heliport/water aerodrome. The total allocation for this component is Rs 2,577 crore for around 441 aerodromes.Development of modern helipadsThe scheme includes the construction of 200 modern helipads in hilly, remote, island and aspirational districts to improve emergency response and connectivity. Each helipad will cost around Rs 15 crore, taking the total outlay for this segment to Rs 3,661 crore.Viability gap funding (VGF) for airlinesAirline operators will continue to receive financial support under the scheme to operate regional routes. The government has proposed Rs 10,043 crore in VGF support over 10 years, helping improve route viability and encourage wider participation by carriers.Atmanirbhar Bharat aircraft acquisitionTo address the shortage of small aircraft and strengthen domestic manufacturing, the scheme includes procurement of indigenous aircraft and helicopters, including two HAL Dhruv helicopters for Pawan Hans and two HAL Dornier aircraft for Alliance Air.Since its launch in October 2016, the UDAN scheme has operationalised 663 routes across 95 airports, heliports and water aerodromes (as of February 28, 2026). It has enabled over 3.41 lakh flights and carried 162.47 lakh passengers, significantly improving connectivity in remote, hilly and island regions while promoting regional aviation growth.