Table of Contents
In the 3rd match of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, Rajasthan Royals (RR) will take on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on March 30.
Both teams were involved in the most high-profile trade exchange in the history of the league, and it will be interesting to see how some of the prominent names perform in their new roles for their new franchises.
Both sides also finished in the bottom two last season, so they will be desperate to bounce back this time.
RR, the inaugural champions, will be led by a young Riyan Parag, who has been a valuable part of the setup over the years. Chennai Super Kings will be without MS Dhoni, which comes as a huge blow, but they still have plenty of experience with Ruturaj Gaikwad leading the side.
RR vs CSK head-to-head record in IPL
Matches played: 31
RR won: 15
CSK won: 16
Tie/No result: 0
RR vs CSK pitch report
The Barsapara Cricket Stadium usually offers a good batting surface. The ball comes onto the bat nicely, and batters can play their shots freely once they get set.
There might be a bit of help for the fast bowlers early on, but it does not last long. Spinners can be effective in the middle overs if they bowl with control. Dew is likely to play a role later in the game, so chasing could be the better option.
RR vs CSK key players
Sanju Samson (CSK) – The player of the tournament in the recently concluded T20 World Cup is in red-hot form. He will open the innings with skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad and the pair can give CSK a strong start if they settle early.
Yashasvi Jaiswal (RR) – The talented left-hand batter has been a key part of Rajasthan’s batting lineup over the years. His ability to play aggressive shots and rotate strike makes him crucial at the top.
Dewald Brevis (CSK) – Brevis came in as an injury replacement last season and turned into a trump card. His attacking style suits the T20 format, and he can be very dangerous in the middle order.
Ravindra Jadeja (RR) – It will be an emotional moment for Jadeja facing CSK after being part of them for so long. With his all-round ability and impact in all three departments, he can be very important for RR this season.
RR vs CSK predicted playing XIs
Rajasthan Royals: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Riyan Parag (c), Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Donovan Ferreira, Jofra Archer, Sandeep Sharma, Ravi Bishnoi, Adam Milne
Chennai Super Kings: Sanju Samson (wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Prashant Veer, Jamie Overton, Matt Henry, Rahul Chahar, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed
RR vs CSK match prediction
Both sides have strong batting units with plenty of T20 stars. They can score quickly and take the game away. The bowling department for both teams looks a bit short on depth. That could play a role in a high-scoring game.
Chennai Super Kings still have the experience factor with five titles and players who have handled pressure situations before. Rajasthan Royals have a young setup and might take some time to settle.
Given the nature of the game and overall balance, the Super Kings are likely to win this RR vs CSK match.
Prediction: Chennai Super Kings to win.
IPL 2026: Why MS Dhoni missing games might actually be the best thing that could happen to CSK
