The IPL 2026 Match 3 brings a nostalgic yet high-stakes clash as Rajasthan Royals take on Chennai Super Kings at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati, on March 30 at 7:30 PM IST. Interestingly, these two sides were the finalists of the inaugural IPL 2008 season, adding historical weight to this encounter. However, both franchises come into this game after disappointing IPL 2025 campaigns—RR finishing ninth and CSK ending at the bottom. This fixture is more than just a season opener; it’s a chance for both teams to reset and make a strong statement early.
The narrative gets even more compelling with emotional subplots. Ravindra Jadeja faces CSK after a long 12-year association, while Sanju Samson takes on a side he recently led. Head-to-head, CSK hold a slight 16-15 edge in 31 meetings, but recent form favours RR, who have won eight of the last ten clashes.
Conditions at Barsapara are typically batting-friendly, with flat pitches offering minimal turn. A light grass covering helps retain moisture, providing early assistance to pacers. In the first few overs, seamers often enjoy movement and bounce, as reflected in recent stats where fast bowlers have outperformed spinners.
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CSK’s last win against RR came in 2024, powered by Ruturaj Gaikwad’s composed unbeaten knock. Still, the most iconic chapter remains the 2008 IPL final, when Shane Warne’s RR chased down 163 on the final ball, with Yusuf Pathan delivering a match-winning performance.
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
Meanwhile, RR appear more settled despite missing Sam Curran due to injury, with Dasun Shanaka stepping in. Led by Riyan Parag in front of his home crowd, RR will bank on Yashasvi Jaiswal and a strong bowling unit featuring Jofra Archer and Ravi Bishnoi.
Probable XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Riyan Parag (c), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Ravindra Jadeja, Donnovan Ferreira, Jofra Archer, Ravi Bishnoi, Tushar Deshpande, Sandeep Sharma
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
Chennai Super Kings head into IPL 2026 Match 3 with significant injury concerns, making them one of the most depleted sides early in the tournament. MS Dhoni has been ruled out for the opening two weeks due to a calf strain and hasn’t travelled to Guwahati. The setbacks don’t end there—Dewald Brevis is sidelined for the first few games with a side strain, while Nathan Ellis is already out of the season with a hamstring injury, forcing CSK to bring in Spencer Johnson as a replacement.
With Dhoni unavailable, the team combination sees a reshuffle. Sanju Samson is expected to take up wicketkeeping duties and could open alongside skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad. The middle order may feature Ayush Mhatre or Sarfaraz Khan, with Shivam Dube playing a key role at No. 4. CSK’s bowling attack will rely heavily on Matt Henry, supported by Khaleel Ahmed, Spencer Johnson, Noor Ahmad, and Akeal Hosein.
Probable XI: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Sanju Samson (wk), Ayush Mhatre, Matt Short, Shivam Dube, Kartik Sharma, Prashant Veer, Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, Matt Henry, Khaleel Ahmed
