IPL 2026: RR vs CSK Preview: Pitch, Weather Report, Head To Head, Playing 11, Streaming, Prediction. The Indian Premier League 2026 continues with another exciting early-season clash. In match 3, Rajasthan Royals face Chennai Super Kings. Both teams had a disappointing IPL 2025 campaign. They failed to qualify for the playoffs last season.
RR have made strong changes to their squad this year. Both teams had a trade-off before this season with RR captain Sanju Samson traded to CSK, while Jadeja and Sam Curran moved into the RR squad. Although Sam Curran is injured and won’t be available for the 1st match. CSK are also rebuilding with young players and new combinations. This match is important for both teams to gain early momentum. A win here can boost confidence for the upcoming matches.
Match Details
Match: RR vs CSK
Date: March 30, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Barsapara Cricket Stadium
Live: Star Sports Network
Streaming: JioHotstar
Also Read: IPL 2026: Checkout The Latest Points Table And Standings
Pitch and Weather Report
The Guwahati pitch is good for batting. Teams usually score between 170 and 185 runs here. Batters enjoy the bounce and pace of the wicket. Fast bowlers get help early in the match. Spinners may struggle because of dew later. Chasing teams often get an advantage here. Captains winning the toss may choose to bowl first.
The weather looks slightly uncertain for the match. Temperature will stay around 21 to 22 degrees Celsius. There may be light fog during the game. Rain chances are around 50 per cent. A short delay is possible if rain arrives.
Head-to-Head Record
RR and CSK have played over 31 matches. CSK has won 16 matches, while RR won 15. CSK have a slight overall advantage historically. RR has dominated recent meetings between the teams. RR has won most matches in the last few seasons.
Probable Playing XI
Rajasthan Royals: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Dasun Shanaka, Jofra Archer, Sandeep Sharma, Ravi Bishnoi, Adam Milne
Chennai Super Kings: Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ayush Mhatre, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, Jamie Overton, Rahul Chahar, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Anshul Kamboj, Prashant Veer
CSK will miss MS Dhoni due to injury concerns. Dewald Brevis is also unavailable for selection. Ruturaj Gaikwad will lead CSK’s batting from the top. Sanju Samson faces his former team in this match. Ravindra Jadeja adds balance with bat and ball to RR squad. Jofra Archer can trouble batters with pace.
Also Read: IPL 2026 MI vs KKR Highlights: Mumbai Indians Beat Kolkata In A Record Chase
Match Prediction
Both teams are rebuilding this season. RR looks more balanced in both batting and bowling. Their recent record against CSK is strong. CSK may struggle due to missing key players. RR has a slight advantage before the match. However, CSK can still surprise with their experience. Fans can expect a close and exciting contest.
Prediction: RR to win the match with close margin.