![Samson could open if Mhatre flops [Source: @mufaddal_vohra, @Beast__07_/X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1766490776375_samson_Mhatre(1).jpg?type=hq)
Samson could open if Mhatre flops [Source: @mufaddal_vohra, @Beast__07_/X]
Young batter Ayush Mhatre's performance in the under-19 Asia Cup 2025 was horrendous, to say the least. The Mumbaikar led India U19 in the tournament; however, his middling return was one of the reasons why his side suffered a crushing defeat in the final against Pakistan.
Ayush Mhatre's horrible batting form before IPL 2026
Ayush Mhatre showcased remarkable form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, scoring 325 runs before departing for the u19 Asia Cup. However, his performance dipped as the tournament progressed, and he finished the competition with 65 runs at a horrible average of 13 across five matches.
More importantly, Mhatre's vulnerability against the moving ball and tendency to throw away his wicket with poor shots were exploited in the u19 Asia Cup. Given that each IPL franchise has highly qualified data analysts, it won't be surprising if Mhatre undergoes a serious lean patch in the upcoming season of the tournament.
Considering how Mhatre performed in the IPL 2025 (240 runs in 7 innings, average: 34.29, SR: 188.98), the Chennai Super Kings will most likely keep him as an opener in their first-choice playing XI. But what if he fails to deliver? Here we explore the alternative top-order options for CSK as Mhatre goes through a rut.
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Alternative top-order options for CSK if Ayush Mhatre fails in IPL 2026
1. Ruturaj Gaikwad, Urvil Patel and Sanju Samson
| Criterion | Data |
| Innings | 7 |
| Runs | 195 |
| Average | 32.50 |
| Strike Rate | 243.75 |
(Urvil Patel in SMAT 2025)
If Ayush Mhatre fails to impress the CSK think tank, swashbuckling keeper-batter Urvil Patel could get an entry into the playing XI. Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad are certain starters in the CSK XI; so, Urvil Patel could fill Mhatre's void in the top-order if the latter sustains a lean patch in the IPL 2026.
Urvil Patel is a destructive top-order batter, who hammered 68 runs across three innings at a strike rate of 212.50 in the IPL 2025. He holds the record for the second fastest hundred in T20 history, having clobbered a 28-ball ton for Gujarat against Tripura in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
So, Patel's ability to play an aggressive brand of cricket and decimate bowling attacks, especially on batting-friendly tracks, could make him a potential replacement for Mhatre if the latter doesn't live up to the expectations.
2. Ruturaj Gaikwad, Matthew Short and Sanju Samson
In another bold move, CSK can assign the opening duties to Matthew Short, who is known for his clean-striking in the Big Bash League. The Australian batter has played 141 T20 matches, amassing 3446 runs at an average of 27.56 and a strike rate of 147.70.
Besides providing his side with quick-fire starts, Matthew Short can also contribute with the ball. He is a regular bowler for Adelaide Strikers and has bagged 56 wickets, including a five-wicket haul, in the shortest format.
Given that CSK will play their home games in Chennai's spin-friendly deck, Short can be a great addition to their lineup if they opt for an allrounder to replace Ayush Mhatre.
3. Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sarfaraz Khan
If Urvil or Matthew Short enter the CSK XI as Mhatre's replacement, chances are high that they will open the batting with Ruturaj Gaikwad. However, in a rare scenario, if the Super Kings bring in Sarfaraz Khan into the mix, we might see Samson and Gaikwad open the batting for them.
Sarfaraz Khan recently had a stellar SMAT campaign for Mumbai at three, scoring 329 runs at an average of 65.80 and a strike rate of 203.09. So, given that Samson opens for India in T20Is and Gaikwad is a genuine opener, Sarfaraz can be slotted at three if CSK choose these two players as their openers.
