CSK Predicted Playing XI Vs Rajasthan Royals, IPL 2026, Match 3- MS Dhoni Out, Who Will Replace Him?

CSK predicted playing XI Vs Rajasthan Royals [Source: AFP]

The most anticipated match of the IPL 2026 is right upon us as CSK will collide against Rajasthan Royals in match 3 of the marquee event at the Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati. The two teams were involved in one of the biggest trade deals in IPL history when CSK bought Sanju Samson and traded Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran.

All the traded players will play on Monday, as things could be interesting between the two sides. Moreover, both CSK and the Rajasthan Royals will aim to start the tournament with an emphatic win.

RR Vs CSK Preview

In the IPL 2025 season, both teams were placed at the bottom of the table, with CSK finishing 10th, and Rajasthan, just a place above them at ninth. Both CSK and Rajasthan looked toothless last season, and they need to up the ante at the start of this season.

However, even before the season commenced, CSK were dealt a huge injury blow, as their star player and former skipper, MS Dhoni, was ruled out of the tournament for the first two weeks, and this came as a shocker for them.

Nathan Ellis was also ruled out, as the team looks slightly weak on paper. However, the sides have certainly strengthened their batting for IPL 2026. On the other hand, Rajasthan has a settled unit, with the team having one of the best opening pairs.

Rajasthan needs to sort out its middle-order, and things could be fine for them in IPL 2026.

CSK likely playing XI Vs Rajasthan Royals- Match 3

Openers and top order: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, Ayush Mhatre

CSK skipper (Gaikwad) confirmed that he will open for the Super Kings, alongside the T20 World Cup’s best player, Sanju Samson. Samson was traded from Rajasthan, and the franchise will be eager to play him at his best position.

Samson can be the chief aggressor in the partnership, and that would allow Gaikwad to bide some time in the middle. On the other hand, the India Under-19 rising star, Ayush Mhatre, is likely to bat at 3.

Last season, he played at the top, but with the experienced Samson, and Gaikwad available, the CSK management will push him down to number 3.

Also Read: MS Dhoni Injury Update- CSK's Hole Dug Deeper

Middle order and all-rounders: Matt Short, Shivam Dube, Kartik Sharma, Prashant Veer, Jamie Overton

In IPL 2026, CSL has a great mixture of youth and experience in the middle-order. If MSD's injury wasn't enough, it was reported that Dewald Brevis, the South African will also miss the game due to a side strain injury. As a result, Aussie batter, Matt Short is likely to replace him.

One of India’s T20 World Cup heroes, Shivam Dube, will play at number 5, a role where he generally plays for India and for the Super Kings. Alongside his power-hitting, Dube can also chip in with a couple of overs on a tricky Guwahati surface.

CSK invested 14.2 crores each on two youngsters, Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer, and both players will be included in the playing XI and will play as finishers. Moreover, with no MS Dhoni (ruled out), Jamie Overton, the English all-rounder, will play at his position.

Bowlers: Khaleel Ahmed, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj

Khaleel Ahmed did well last season for CSK, and he’ll be the first-choice pacer for the team. His prime responsibility will be to take wickets inside the power play. Alongside him, Anshul Kamboj will also be included as CSK has shown immense trust in his abilities.

Noor Ahmad, the Afghan player will be the front-line spinner for the side. He plucked 24 wickets in IPL 2025, and will be the main man for them in the middle-overs.

To add more depth to their bowling, CSK could bring in Matt Henry in the lineup, if CSK is bowling second.

CSK predicted playing XI Vs Rajasthan Royals- Match 3, IPL 2026- Ruturaj Gaikwad(C), Sanju Samson, Ayush Mhatre, Matt Short, Shivam Dube, Kartik Sharma, Prashant Veer, Jamie Overton, Khaleel Ahmed, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj