Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings face off in Match 3 of IPL 2026 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Monday, March 30. The toss is scheduled for 7:00 PM IST, with the first ball at 7:30 PM IST.
This is one of the most emotionally loaded fixtures of the season. Sanju Samson, who captained RR for years, now walks out for CSK following a blockbuster trade. Meanwhile, Ravindra Jadeja, a CSK legend for over a decade, returns to the RR colors—the franchise where his IPL journey famously began in 2008. Adding to the local fervor, Riyan Parag makes his official debut as RR’s permanent captain in front of his home crowd in Assam.
Match Details
- Venue: Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
- Date: Monday, March 30, 2026
- Time: 7:30 PM IST
- Format: T20, IPL 2026 Match 3
- Live: Star Sports & JioStar
Pitch Report
The Barsapara pitch has historically produced high-scoring T20 matches. Batters get good value early, and the surface typically remains true throughout the game. Bowlers have a narrow margin for error here. Expect totals in the 180-200 range if conditions stay dry. The team winning the toss is likely to bowl first to take advantage of potential dew later in the evening.
Weather Report
There is a slight chance of rain in Guwahati on match day. Fans should prepare for potential delays. Note that for league-stage matches, points are shared if a washout occurs, as reserve days are generally reserved for the playoffs.
Team News
Rajasthan Royals: RR suffered a significant blow before the season with Sam Curran ruled out for the entire IPL 2026 campaign through injury. Riyan Parag leads a side bolstered by the “homecoming” of Ravindra Jadeja. The squad remains well-stocked with firepower, including Yashasvi Jaiswal, young sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, and a returning Jofra Archer.
Chennai Super Kings: CSK will start their campaign without MS Dhoni. The legendary keeper is recovering from a calf injury and is expected to miss the first two weeks of the season. Ruturaj Gaikwad continues to lead the side, with Sanju Samson set to take over the gloves and provide stability to the middle order.
Probable Playing XIs
- RR: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Riyan Parag (C), Shimron Hetmyer, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Donovan Ferreira, Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger, Sandeep Sharma, Vignesh Puthur.
- CSK: Sanju Samson (WK), Ayush Mhatre, Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Shivam Dube, Dewald Brevis, Prashant Veer, Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, Matt Henry, Khaleel Ahmed, Anshul Kamboj.
Key Players to Watch
- Yashasvi Jaiswal (RR): 54 runs away from 3,000 T20 runs in India. In explosive form and playing at RR’s secondary home in Guwahati, he is the primary threat.
- Sanju Samson (CSK): Playing against his former side for the first time in a CSK jersey. His familiarity with the RR bowlers makes him a dangerous tactical asset.
- Jofra Archer (RR): His return to full fitness is a massive boost. His pace on this surface will be the biggest challenge for CSK’s top order.
- Ruturaj Gaikwad (CSK): With Dhoni absent from the dugout, Gaikwad’s leadership and ability to anchor the innings will be tested early.
Prediction
Predicted Winner: Rajasthan Royals While CSK remains a formidable unit, the absence of MS Dhoni’s finishing and tactical oversight is a major factor. RR’s familiarity with the Guwahati conditions and the potent combination of Jaiswal and a fit-again Jofra Archer give them the slight edge in this opening clash.
Fantasy Tip: Yashasvi Jaiswal is a top choice for Captain, while Ravindra Jadeja offers high value as an all-rounder on a pitch where his experience will be vital.
Captain: Yashasvi Jaiswal Vice-Captain: Jofra Archer Differential Pick: Vaibhav Suryavanshi — low ownership, high ceiling on this pitch
Suggested XI: Jaiswal, Suryavanshi, Samson, Gaikwad, Hetmyer, Jadeja, Parag, Archer, Burger, Matt Henry, Khaleel Ahmed
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