Rajasthan Royals begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Chennai Super Kings in Match 3 at Guwahati. RR will look to take advantage of their early home venue, while CSK aim to start their season strong with a well-balanced and experienced squad.
Match details
Venue: Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
Date: March 30, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM IST, 7:00 PM PST, 2:30 PM GMT
Team overviews
Rajasthan Royals enter the new season under Sanju Samson with a strong top order featuring Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jos Buttler. The side has built a reputation for aggressive batting, while their bowling attack relies on pace variations and spin options suited for Indian conditions. Playing their early matches in Guwahati, RR will aim to start the campaign on a positive note.
Chennai Super Kings, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, continue to rely on their tried-and-tested formula of experience and composure. With key players like Devon Conway, Shivam Dube, and Ravindra Jadeja, CSK have a balanced lineup capable of adapting to different conditions. Their bowling unit, led by Matheesha Pathirana, remains effective in high-scoring games.
Key players
For RR, Yashasvi Jaiswal’s attacking starts will be crucial, while Jos Buttler remains their biggest match-winner at the top. Sanju Samson’s role in the middle order will also be key in stabilising innings.
CSK will depend on Ruturaj Gaikwad for consistency at the top, while Shivam Dube provides power in the middle overs. Ravindra Jadeja’s all-round contribution adds balance, and Matheesha Pathirana will be key in death overs.
Head-to-head record
Chennai Super Kings hold a slight edge in the rivalry, having won 16 matches compared to Rajasthan Royals’ 13 in IPL history. The contests between the two sides are usually closely fought.
Pitch report
The Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati is known for its batting-friendly surface and quick outfield. High-scoring matches are common, with teams often crossing the 180-mark. Pacers may get some assistance early on, but the pitch generally favours batters as the game progresses.
Probable match scenarios
A first-innings total of 180–200 will be competitive at this venue. Teams winning the toss may prefer to chase due to the possibility of dew in the second innings. Powerplay performance will be crucial in setting the tone.
Probable playing XIs
Rajasthan Royals (Captain: Sanju Samson)
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson (wk), Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel, Rovman Powell, Trent Boult, Avesh Khan, Yuzvendra Chahal, Sandeep Sharma
Impact Player: Kuldeep Sen
Chennai Super Kings (Captain: Ruturaj Gaikwad)
Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (wk), Sameer Rizvi, Deepak Chahar, Maheesh Theekshana, Tushar Deshpande, Matheesha Pathirana
Impact Player: Mukesh Choudhary
Live streaming and broadcast
India: Star Sports Network, JioHotstar app and website
Pakistan: Tapmad, Daraz app
UK: Sky Sports Cricket, Sky Go
Australia: Fox Sports, Kayo Sports
Global: IPL official broadcasters
Match prediction
Chennai Super Kings hold a slight advantage due to their experienced lineup and strong all-round balance. However, Rajasthan Royals’ explosive batting unit makes them a dangerous side, especially on a high-scoring Guwahati pitch. If RR’s top order fires, they can edge this contest, but CSK remain slight favourites.
