Rajasthan Royals (RR) take over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Today is effectively a reset derby at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium. After both teams battled it out in 2025, this 3rd match of IPL 2026 is a chance for a fresh start under exciting new management and squad dynamics. Headlining this clash is a high-profile trade that saw Sanju Samson move to CSK, Ravindra Jadeja return to Royals.
Now led by local hero Riyan Parag, the Royals boast a formidable top-order Yashasvi Jaiswal and young sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. with Jofra Archer they look structurally sound for Guwahati’s conditions when they come back to lead the pace attack.
Ruturaj Gaikwad lead the revamped side but face an early hurdle –MS Dhoni The first two weeks with calf strain are excluded. All eyes will be on Samson as he faces the former franchise in yellow for the first time.
Barsapara Cricket Stadium Pitch Report
Barsapara surface is traditionally a belt – flat, hard and highly mottled. Expect a fast pitch and short boundaries (~65–68m) to aid a high-scoring game. Average first shot score is around 175-185. The Pacers can find light movement and carry the first 3-4 shots due to the light grass. Spinners may struggle to catch the ball in the evening. Dew is expected to be a major factor from the 12th of the second innings. Captains who win the toss will almost always look to bowl first, as the ball becomes much easier to chase when it is wet.
Guwahati weather forecast
For the clash between Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings, the evening weather in Guwahati is expected to be slightly on the chilly side at around 21°C, but it will remain quite humid with conditions reaching 87% humidity and dew point reaching 20°C. Mostly cloudy, with about 70% clouds, with a light east wind around 7 km/h, gusting to 19 km/h, which may offer minimal relief. There is a 25% chance of precipitation, so rain breaks seem unlikely, but cannot be completely ruled out. Visibility can also be reduced to 5 km and with such high humidity in the air, dew can play a significant role in the later stages of the game, potentially affecting bowling conditions and giving the advantage to teams chasing under lights.
