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Mumbai Indians or Chennai Super Kings: Who has the better opening pair for IPL 2026?

Rajgeeta Yadav

MI vs CSK [Source: AFP]MI vs CSK [Source: AFP]

The IPL 2026 season is only a few months away, and excitement has already started building after the mega auction held on December 16 in Abu Dhabi. A total of 359 players went under the hammer for just 77 available slots, making it a highly competitive event. 

Among all franchises, Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) once again stood out with their contrasting yet strategic approaches to squad building.

CSK entered the auction after releasing a major part of their squad, clearly aiming for a fresh structure. MI, on the other hand, stayed loyal to their Indian core and focused on fine-tuning rather than rebuilding. 

Both teams have now shaped their squads with IPL 2026 in mind, and one of the biggest talking points is their possible opening combinations. This article takes an analytical look at which team appears stronger at the top of the order going into the 19th season of the IPL.

Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock

Mumbai Indians have multiple options for their opening pair, which gives them a strong tactical advantage. Their main contenders include Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton, and Quinton de Kock.

  • Notably, Rohit Sharma remains the face of MI. He had a solid IPL 2025 season, scoring 418 runs in 15 innings with a strike rate close to 151. His recent international form further strengthens his case, as he scored 146 runs in three innings against South Africa.
  • After stepping away from T20Is and Tests, Rohit has focused on ODIs and looked sharp. His performances against top teams show that timing, confidence, and shot selection are still very much intact.
  • Meanwhile, Ryan Rickelton emerged as one of MI’s biggest positives in IPL 2025. In just 10 innings, he scored 388 runs at an impressive strike rate of 150.97. His aggressive intent during the power play often gave MI quick starts. Rickelton also complements Rohit well, combining left-handed variety with fearless stroke play.
  • The addition of Quinton de Kock at the auction for just 1 crore could turn out to be a masterstroke. De Kock comes in with rich IPL experience, having played 115 matches and scored over 3,300 runs. 
  • Quinton's recent performances against India showed his current form, especially in T20Is, where he scored at a strike rate above 180. He also shares a successful history with Rohit Sharma, forming one of the most effective opening partnerships during MI’s dominant 2019 and 2020 campaigns.

With Rickelton and de Kock both being left-handers and proven aggressors, MI have the flexibility to adjust their opening pair depending on pitch conditions and opposition.

Chennai Super Kings: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ayush Mhatre and Sanju Samson

Chennai Super Kings have also built a strong opening pool, featuring Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, and young talent Ayush Mhatre.

  • Ruturaj Gaikwad is the backbone of CSK’s batting. Although he missed IPL 2025 due to injury, his recent performances suggest he is back to his best. His domestic form has been excellent, and his ODI series against South Africa, where he scored 210 runs in three innings, showed his consistency and class. 
  • Sanju Samson’s arrival after a bold pre-auction trade has added firepower to CSK’s top order. As an opener, Samson has scored 783 runs in 31 innings with a healthy strike rate. His ability to dominate bowlers early adds a different dimension to CSK’s batting. There is still uncertainty around whether he will open or bat at number three, yet his presence alone strengthens the lineup.
  • Meanwhile, Ayush Mhatre represents CSK’s future. The young batter impressed in his debut IPL season, scoring 240 runs in seven innings at a strike rate close to 189. His performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy further showed his form and confidence. 

CSK’s opening setup offers a balance between experience and youth, although it lacks the same level of proven international opening partnerships that MI possess.

Final Verdict

Both teams have strong opening options, yet Mumbai Indians appear slightly ahead going into IPL 2026. Their biggest strength lies in flexibility and proven combinations. The presence of Rohit Sharma alongside either Rickelton or Quinton de Kock gives MI a mix of experience and explosiveness De Kock’s past success with Rohit further tilts the balance in MI’s favour.

On paper and based on recent form, Mumbai Indians seem to have the stronger and more reliable opening pair heading into IPL 2026.