RR vs CSK Live: IPL 2026 Match 3 preview, pitch report & Playing XI
Guwahati: The third match of the Indian Premier League 2026 is already shaping up to be a blockbuster as Rajasthan Royals take on Chennai Super Kings at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on March 30. With fresh leadership, high-profile trades, and a batting-friendly pitch, this encounter ticks all the boxes for a high-scoring thriller.
Under the captaincy of Riyan Parag, Rajasthan Royals are entering IPL 2026 with renewed intent after a disappointing previous season. Playing at his home venue in Guwahati, Parag will look to lead from the front and capitalise on familiar conditions.
Meanwhile, Ruturaj Gaikwad steps into a defining leadership role for CSK. With MS Dhoni sidelined due to injury, the Super Kings are transitioning into a new phase, making this clash even more significant.
Trade shockwaves: Jadeja in RR, Samson in CSK
Two of the biggest talking points this season are the franchise-defining moves involving Ravindra Jadeja and Sanju Samson. Jadeja’s debut in RR colours adds balance and experience, while Samson’s inclusion strengthens CSK’s top order and wicketkeeping options.
These high-profile changes have already fueled massive buzz across IPL 2026.
ACA Stadium, Barsapara pitch report: A run-fest incoming?
The Barsapara Cricket Stadium is widely known as a batting paradise. Expect:
- Flat surface with true bounce
- Short boundaries encouraging six-hitting
- Minimal assistance for spinners
- Heavy dew in the second innings
With dew likely to play a major role, teams winning the toss are expected to bowl first—making “IPL toss prediction today” a key search trend around this match.
Probable Playing XI
Rajasthan Royals:
Jaiswal, Suryavanshi, Pretorius (wk), Parag (c), Hetmyer, Jadeja, Jurel, Archer, Sandeep Sharma, Bishnoi, Burger
Chennai Super Kings:
Gaikwad (c), Samson (wk), Brevis, Mhatre, Dube, Sharma, Veer, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Matt Henry, Rahul Chahar
Weather report: Dew to decide the game?
Conditions in Guwahati are expected to be humid, with temperatures between 22°C and 24°C. No rain is forecast, but humidity above 85% means dew could heavily influence the outcome, another reason why chasing teams have the upper hand.