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.