Match Details
Commentary
Chennai Super Kings Probable XI Batting First: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Sanju Samson (wk), Ayush Mhatre/Urvil Patel, Matthew Short, Shivam Dube, Sarfaraz Khan, Kartik Sharma/Prashant Veer, Jamie Overton/Akeal Hosein, Matt Henry, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed
Possible Impact Substitutes: Anshul Kamboj, Zak Foulkes, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Rahul Chahar, Shreyas Gopal
Chennai Super Kings Probable XI Bowling First: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Sanju Samson (wk), Ayush Mhatre/Urvil Patel, Matthew Short, Shivam Dube, Kartik Sharma/Prashant Veer, Jamie Overton/Akeal Hosein, Matt Henry, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Anshul Kamboj
Possible Impact Substitutes: Zak Foulkes, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Rahul Chahar, Shreyas Gopal, Sarfaraz Khan
Possible Impact Substitutes: Anshul Kamboj, Zak Foulkes, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Rahul Chahar, Shreyas Gopal
Chennai Super Kings Probable XI Bowling First: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Sanju Samson (wk), Ayush Mhatre/Urvil Patel, Matthew Short, Shivam Dube, Kartik Sharma/Prashant Veer, Jamie Overton/Akeal Hosein, Matt Henry, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Anshul Kamboj
Possible Impact Substitutes: Zak Foulkes, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Rahul Chahar, Shreyas Gopal, Sarfaraz Khan
Rajasthan Royals Probable XI Batting First: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Shimron Hetmyer, Riyan Parag (c), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Donovan Ferreira/Dasun Shanaka, Ravindra Jadeja, Jofra Archer, Ravi Bishnoi, Sandeep Sharma, Adam Milne/Nandre Burger
Possible Impact Substitutes: Tushar Deshpande, Kwena Maphaka, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Sushant Mishra, Shubham Dubey
Rajasthan Royals Probable XI Bowling First: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shimron Hetmyer, Riyan Parag (c), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Donovan Ferreira/Dasun Shanaka, Ravindra Jadeja, Jofra Archer, Ravi Bishnoi, Sandeep Sharma, Adam Milne/Nandre Burger, Tushar Deshpande
Possible Impact Substitutes: Shubham Dubey, Kwena Maphaka, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Sushant Mishra, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Possible Impact Substitutes: Tushar Deshpande, Kwena Maphaka, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Sushant Mishra, Shubham Dubey
Rajasthan Royals Probable XI Bowling First: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shimron Hetmyer, Riyan Parag (c), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Donovan Ferreira/Dasun Shanaka, Ravindra Jadeja, Jofra Archer, Ravi Bishnoi, Sandeep Sharma, Adam Milne/Nandre Burger, Tushar Deshpande
Possible Impact Substitutes: Shubham Dubey, Kwena Maphaka, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Sushant Mishra, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Preview by Ajay Pal Singh
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is in its 19th year, and much has changed over the past 18 seasons. One thing that has remained constant, however, is the bond between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and their players — particularly their connection with talismanic leader MS Dhoni. For the first time since the league’s inception, CSK will take the field without any of Dhoni, Suresh Raina or Ravindra Jadeja. While Raina has retired and Dhoni is sidelined with a calf injury, Jadeja has been traded to the franchise that first brought him into the spotlight — Rajasthan Royals.
In match number three of the ongoing edition of the cash-rich league, CSK will square off against Rajasthan Royals at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Monday (March 30).
Both sides have plenty to prove as former champions, having endured disappointing campaigns last season and finishing near the bottom of the points table. A significant trade ahead of the auction has further added intrigue to this contest.
Ravindra Jadeja returns to Rajasthan, the franchise he represented in the early years of the IPL. In a bold move, CSK parted ways with Jadeja and Sam Curran to acquire the services of Sanju Samson. The wicketkeeper-batter is expected to shoulder a role similar to the one MS Dhoni has performed for the Yellow Army for nearly two decades.
Since Sanju Samson’s departure, the inaugural champions have appointed Riyan Parag as their captain for this season. Parag, who leads Assam in domestic cricket, will enjoy a homecoming of sorts, with Guwahati set to host three of Rajasthan Royals’ home games.
The Royals had previously played two matches in Guwahati in a season, but an additional fixture has been added this year, taking the tally to three at the home venue of their new skipper.
CSK have been hit by injuries ahead of their campaign opener. MS Dhoni is sidelined with a calf injury, and on the eve of their clash against the Royals, Dewald Brevis was ruled out as well.
Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad is expected to open the batting alongside Sanju Samson, who will also take over wicketkeeping duties in Dhoni’s absence.
Sarfaraz Khan and Ayush Mhatre are likely to contest the No. 3 spot, but given Mhatre’s recent struggles for runs, Sarfaraz could get the nod.
With Brevis unavailable, Matthew Short is set to slot in at No. 4, followed by Shivam Dube at No. 5. CSK could then hand a debut to one of Kartik Sharma or Prashant Veer. One of Akeal Hosein or Jamie Overton is expected to fill the overseas all-rounder role, while Afghanistan’s left-arm wrist-spinner Noor Ahmad, a key performer last season, should feature as well.
Khaleel Ahmed and Matt Henry are likely to lead the pace attack, with one of Anshul Kamboj or Mukesh Choudhary completing the XI.
For RR, a power-packed opening duo of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is set to take charge. Given Shimron Hetmyer’s recent form at No. 3, it would be hard to look past him for that role.
Hetmyer, who was retained ahead of Jos Buttler last year, endured a below-par season but has since rediscovered form, impressing for the West Indies in the T20 World Cup leading into this campaign.
Riyan Parag and Dhruv Jurel form a solid middle order for the Royals, with Jurel expected to take on wicketkeeping duties in the absence of Sanju Samson.
The Royals have also revamped their spin department. Having previously relied on Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana — a combination that affected their balance — they have now brought in Ravi Bishnoi and Ravindra Jadeja to fill those roles.
Dasun Shanaka and Donovan Ferreira will fight for an overseas slot. Jofra Archer will lead the pace attack alongside Tushar Deshpande and Sandeep Sharma. Nandre Burger, Kwena Maphaka and Adam Milne are also there as back-up seamers.
Which team will start the season with a win? To find out, tune in at 6:30 PM IST, Local Time for its live coverage.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is in its 19th year, and much has changed over the past 18 seasons. One thing that has remained constant, however, is the bond between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and their players — particularly their connection with talismanic leader MS Dhoni. For the first time since the league’s inception, CSK will take the field without any of Dhoni, Suresh Raina or Ravindra Jadeja. While Raina has retired and Dhoni is sidelined with a calf injury, Jadeja has been traded to the franchise that first brought him into the spotlight — Rajasthan Royals.
In match number three of the ongoing edition of the cash-rich league, CSK will square off against Rajasthan Royals at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Monday (March 30).
Both sides have plenty to prove as former champions, having endured disappointing campaigns last season and finishing near the bottom of the points table. A significant trade ahead of the auction has further added intrigue to this contest.
Ravindra Jadeja returns to Rajasthan, the franchise he represented in the early years of the IPL. In a bold move, CSK parted ways with Jadeja and Sam Curran to acquire the services of Sanju Samson. The wicketkeeper-batter is expected to shoulder a role similar to the one MS Dhoni has performed for the Yellow Army for nearly two decades.
Since Sanju Samson’s departure, the inaugural champions have appointed Riyan Parag as their captain for this season. Parag, who leads Assam in domestic cricket, will enjoy a homecoming of sorts, with Guwahati set to host three of Rajasthan Royals’ home games.
The Royals had previously played two matches in Guwahati in a season, but an additional fixture has been added this year, taking the tally to three at the home venue of their new skipper.
CSK have been hit by injuries ahead of their campaign opener. MS Dhoni is sidelined with a calf injury, and on the eve of their clash against the Royals, Dewald Brevis was ruled out as well.
Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad is expected to open the batting alongside Sanju Samson, who will also take over wicketkeeping duties in Dhoni’s absence.
Sarfaraz Khan and Ayush Mhatre are likely to contest the No. 3 spot, but given Mhatre’s recent struggles for runs, Sarfaraz could get the nod.
With Brevis unavailable, Matthew Short is set to slot in at No. 4, followed by Shivam Dube at No. 5. CSK could then hand a debut to one of Kartik Sharma or Prashant Veer. One of Akeal Hosein or Jamie Overton is expected to fill the overseas all-rounder role, while Afghanistan’s left-arm wrist-spinner Noor Ahmad, a key performer last season, should feature as well.
Khaleel Ahmed and Matt Henry are likely to lead the pace attack, with one of Anshul Kamboj or Mukesh Choudhary completing the XI.
For RR, a power-packed opening duo of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is set to take charge. Given Shimron Hetmyer’s recent form at No. 3, it would be hard to look past him for that role.
Hetmyer, who was retained ahead of Jos Buttler last year, endured a below-par season but has since rediscovered form, impressing for the West Indies in the T20 World Cup leading into this campaign.
Riyan Parag and Dhruv Jurel form a solid middle order for the Royals, with Jurel expected to take on wicketkeeping duties in the absence of Sanju Samson.
The Royals have also revamped their spin department. Having previously relied on Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana — a combination that affected their balance — they have now brought in Ravi Bishnoi and Ravindra Jadeja to fill those roles.
Dasun Shanaka and Donovan Ferreira will fight for an overseas slot. Jofra Archer will lead the pace attack alongside Tushar Deshpande and Sandeep Sharma. Nandre Burger, Kwena Maphaka and Adam Milne are also there as back-up seamers.
Which team will start the season with a win? To find out, tune in at 6:30 PM IST, Local Time for its live coverage.
A Sneak Peek into the Numbers of Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati, in IPL:
Matches Played - 6
Matches Won by Team Batting First - 3
Matches Won by Team Batting Second - 2
No-Result: 1
Highest Innings Total - 199/4 by Rajasthan Royals vs Delhi Capitals, 2023
Lowest Innings Total - 142/9 by Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals, 2023
Highest Individual Score - 97* by Quinton de Kock (Kolkata Knight Riders) vs Rajasthan Royals, 2025
Best Bowling Figures - 4/30 by Nathan Ellis (Punjab Kings) vs Rajasthan Royals, 2023
Average Runs per Wicket - 26.27
Average Runs per Over - 8.56
Average Score Batting First - 145.50
Matches Played - 6
Matches Won by Team Batting First - 3
Matches Won by Team Batting Second - 2
No-Result: 1
Highest Innings Total - 199/4 by Rajasthan Royals vs Delhi Capitals, 2023
Lowest Innings Total - 142/9 by Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals, 2023
Highest Individual Score - 97* by Quinton de Kock (Kolkata Knight Riders) vs Rajasthan Royals, 2025
Best Bowling Figures - 4/30 by Nathan Ellis (Punjab Kings) vs Rajasthan Royals, 2023
Average Runs per Wicket - 26.27
Average Runs per Over - 8.56
Average Score Batting First - 145.50
Head-to-Head in IPL:
Matches Played: 31
Rajasthan Royals Won: 15
Chennai Super Kings Won: 16
Matches Played: 31
Rajasthan Royals Won: 15
Chennai Super Kings Won: 16
Chennai Super Kings Squad: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Ayush Mhatre, Urvil Patel (wk), Dewald Brevis, Shreyas Gopal, Akeal Hosein, Rahul Chahar, Sarfaraz Khan (wk), Mukesh Choudhary, Khaleel Ahmed, Spencer Johnson, Kartik Sharma (wk), Matthew Short, Jamie Overton, Matt Henry, Zak Foulkes, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Prashant Veer, Aman Khan, Gurjapneet Singh, Anshul Kamboj, Noor Ahmad
Rajasthan Royals Squad: Riyan Parag (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravindra Jadeja, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Shubham Dubey, Jofra Archer, Donovan Ferreira (wk), Dasun Shanaka, Ravi Bishnoi, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Aman Rao, Lhuan-dre Pretorius (wk), Ravi Singh (wk), Kuldeep Sen, Sushant Mishra, Sandeep Sharma, Adam Milne, Nandre Burger, Vignesh Puthur, Brijesh Sharma, Yash Raj Punja, Tushar Deshpande, Kwena Maphaka