The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season started with a bang and the third match of the tournament at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati lived up to the hype. Monday, Rajasthan Royals (RR) opposite square Chennai Super Kings (CSK) In a high-profile encounter that showcased the changing tides of Indian cricket. While the scoreboard reflected a dominant victory for the Royals, the post-match narrative focused on the evolution of a modern-day batting maestro.
Aakash Chopra has identified the RR star as the ‘next Virat Kohli’
During the teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi The half-century quickfire stole the headlines with the former Indian opener and noted commentator Akash Chopra chose to emphasize the unprecedented brilliance of Yashasvi Jaiswal. Chopra has drawn deep parallels between Jaiswal and the legendary in a detailed analysis on his YouTube channel. Virat Kohlispecifically focuses on the young person’s developing maturity and tactical ego management.
Chopra noted that Jaiswal’s unbeaten 38 off 36 was a masterclass in situational awareness. In a format often concerned with strike rates, Jaiswal found Suryavanshi hitting the ball with transcendental ease at the other end. Instead of trying to outplay his partner, Jaiswal anchored the innings and ensured that the chase never let up.
“We saw glimpses of Virat Kohli in him today. The ability to look at the big picture, keep the ego aside and not compete with the batter at the other end defines greatness. Jaiswal understood that the team needed to win and he chose to stay till the end,” Chopra noted.
Chopra emphasized the importance of red ink, which signifies undefeated status, and stated that those who consistently finish games in the running races eventually go from stars to superstars. Reflecting Kohli’s complementary DNA, Jaiswal has shown that he is no longer just a brilliant opener but a calculated match-winner.
RR’s dominant win leaves CSK behind at the start of IPL 2026
The match itself was a statement of intent by Rajasthan Royals. Chasing a modest target set by the Super Kings, the Kings took complete control from the first ball. The victory was secured in 47 balls, resulting in an eight-wicket victory that boosted the net run rate significantly.
The main catalyst for this demolition was Suryavanshi, whose 52 off just 17 balls shocked the CSK bowling attack. However, the synergy between Suryavanshi’s aggression and Jaiswal’s composure gave a glimpse of RR’s balanced tactical approach for the 2026 season. CSK, usually known for their disciplined bowling, struggled to find answers as the Kings’ batsmen manipulated the pitch with ease under the Guwahati lights.
With this dream start, RR have firmly established themselves as the team to beat. As they prepare to meet Gujarat Titans on April 4, the focus is on whether Jaiswal will be able to continue this Kohli-esque trajectory. For now, Royals sit comfortably at the top of the table, buoyed by a mix of youthful exuberance and experienced maturity.
Also READ: IPL 2026: Fans go crazy as clinical Rajasthan Royals beat Chennai Super Kings in Guwahati
