Chennai Super Kings endured a nightmare start to their IPL 2026 campaign as their top order crumbled early against Rajasthan Royals at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. After the early dismissal of Sanju Samson, the pressure quickly mounted when skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad also fell cheaply, managing just 6 runs off 11 balls.
CSK were rocked inside the powerplay, losing two key batters and slipping into early trouble. While Sanju Samson was dismissed by Nandre Burger with a sharp outswinger, Ruturaj Gaikwad’s wicket further deepened the crisis.
WATCH – Nandre Burger Castles Sanju Samson With Stunning Outswinger In IPL 2026 Clash
The breakthrough came courtesy of Jofra Archer, who produced a trademark fast-bowling moment. On the final ball of the third over, Archer delivered a full, straight ball aimed at the stumps. Gaikwad attempted an attacking stroke but completely missed the line, resulting in his middle stump being uprooted in emphatic fashion.
— Nickk Knight (@KnightNick34590) March 30, 2026
It was a classic display of pace and precision from Archer, who capitalised on the early conditions to put CSK under immense pressure. With both openers back in the pavilion, CSK’s middle order now faces a challenging task to rebuild the innings and recover from a shaky start in this crucial IPL 2026 encounter.
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Chennai Super Kings (Playing XI): Sanju Samson(w), Ruturaj Gaikwad(c), Ayush Mhatre, Matthew Short, Shivam Dube, Kartik Sharma, Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, Matt Henry, Anshul Kamboj, Khaleel Ahmed
Rajasthan Royals (Playing XI): Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Riyan Parag(c), Dhruv Jurel(w), Shimron Hetmyer, Ravindra Jadeja, Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger, Sandeep Sharma, Ravi Bishnoi, Brijesh Sharma
