CSK vs RR IPL 2026 Match 3: Full Preview, Head-to-Head, Playing XI and Pitch Report

IPL 2026 Match 3 brings back a classic rivalry as Rajasthan Royals take on Chennai Super Kings . The two finalists of the 2008 season will face off at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Monday, 30 March, at 7:30 PM IST.

Both teams are coming into IPL 2026 after disappointing campaigns last season. Rajasthan Royals finished 9th, while Chennai Super Kings ended at the bottom of the table. This CSK vs RR IPL 2026 clash is not just another game, it is a chance for both teams to reset and make a strong statement early in the tournament.

Key Storylines to Watch in CSK vs RR IPL 2026

There are several exciting subplots in this CSK vs RR match. Ravindra Jadeja will face CSK for the first time after leaving the franchise following a 12-year stint.

At the same time, Sanju Samson will go up against the team he was leading until recently. These personal battles add extra intensity to an already competitive rivalry.

Match Details and Live Streaming Information

The CSK vs RR IPL 2026 match will be played at Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati on Monday, 30 March, starting at 7:30 PM IST.

Fans can watch the match live on Star Sports channels, including Star Sports 1 and Star Sports 1 Hindi, along with regional broadcasts. Live streaming will be available on JioHotstar with a subscription.

Tickets for the match are available through BookMyShow.

CSK vs RR Head-to-Head Record

The CSK vs RR head-to-head record reflects just how close this rivalry has been over the years. The two teams have met 31 times in the IPL:

• CSK Wins: 16
• RR Wins: 15

While Chennai Super Kings have a slight overall edge, recent results favour Rajasthan Royals. RR have won 8 of the last 10 encounters, showing a clear shift in momentum.

CSK’s only recent win came in May 2024 in Chennai, when Ruturaj Gaikwad scored an unbeaten knock to guide the team to a 5-wicket victory. They also secured a 45-run win back in 2021.

One of the most iconic moments in this rivalry remains the 2008 IPL final, when Shane Warne led RR to a last-ball win while chasing 163, with Yusuf Pathan named Player of the Final.

CSK Team News and Predicted XI

Chennai Super Kings are dealing with multiple injury concerns ahead of IPL 2026 Match 3. MS Dhoni has been ruled out of the first two weeks due to a calf strain and has not travelled with the squad.

Dewald Brevis will also miss the first few games with a side strain, further weakening CSK’s middle order. Nathan Ellis has been ruled out of the tournament with a hamstring injury and has been replaced by Spencer Johnson.

In Dhoni’s absence, Sanju Samson is expected to take over wicketkeeping duties and open the innings alongside captain Ruturaj Gaikwad.

CSK’s likely XI includes Ayush Mhatre or Sarfaraz Khan at No. 3, Shivam Dube at No. 4, Kartik Sharma in the middle order, and Prashant Veer as the finisher.

The bowling attack will be led by Matt Henry, with support from Khaleel Ahmed, Spencer Johnson, Noor Ahmad, and Akeal Hosein.

RR Team News and Predicted XI

Rajasthan Royals will be led by Riyan Parag, who will captain the side in Guwahati for the first time as a full-time skipper.

The batting lineup includes Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi as openers, followed by Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, and Donovan Ferreira in the middle order.

Ravindra Jadeja adds balance as an all-rounder, while the bowling attack will be led by Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger, and Ravi Bishnoi.

Sam Curran has been ruled out for the season due to injury, with Dasun Shanaka named as his replacement.

Key Players to Watch in CSK vs RR IPL 2026

Riyan Parag will be under the spotlight as he leads Rajasthan Royals in front of his home crowd. His performance as captain could play a big role in the team’s start to IPL 2026.

Ravindra Jadeja remains one of the biggest talking points, facing CSK after more than a decade. His all-round ability makes him a key player in this contest.

Jofra Archer, if fully fit, is RR’s most dangerous bowler and can make an impact in the powerplay with early wickets.

For CSK, Sanju Samson comes into the match in excellent form, scoring 321 runs in his last five outings, making him the top batting pick.

Young Ayush Mhatre could also be one to watch if he gets an opportunity at No. 3. Noor Ahmad will be CSK’s key bowling weapon, especially if the pitch slows down in the middle overs.

Barsapara Cricket Stadium Pitch Report

The Barsapara Cricket Stadium pitch is generally known to be batting-friendly, making it ideal for high-scoring matches in IPL 2026. The pitch is mostly flat with minimal movement or turn. A light grass covering helps retain some moisture, especially under the Guwahati heat. Fast bowlers tend to dominate in the first few overs. Recent IPL matches at this venue show pacers picking up more wickets than spinners, thanks to early movement and bounce. As the match progresses, the surface becomes easier for batting. Spinners may find some success with variations, but overall grip remains limited. Dew is expected to play a major role in the second innings. It can make the ball skid and favour chasing teams. Captains are likely to choose to bowl first after winning the toss. The average first-innings score at Barsapara is around 180. A total of 175 or more is competitive, but anything higher becomes difficult to defend under lights.