IPL 2026 | Match 3: RR vs CSK | Preview and Predictions

Match 3 of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season will be played between the Rajasthan Royals (RR) and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Guwahati on April 30, 2026.

The big talking points from this game will be the mega-trade that saw Sanju Samson move to CSK and veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja going the other way.

Here, we present our preview and prediction for the game.

Indian Premier League 2026 | Match 3: Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings | 19:30 IST, 30 April 2026

The 2025 IPL season was a disaster for both RR and CSK, as they both ended the league stage in the bottom two places.

For the former five-time champions, it was a shocking situation, as this was the second consecutive season after winning the IPL that the Super Kings ended up outside the play-off spots. As for the Royals, since winning the inaugural IPL edition back in 2008, they haven’t been able to win the coveted title. 

RR have lost an experienced batter and their captain in Sanju Samson, who moved to CSK during the mini-auction in December. However, they traded him for one of the finest Indian all-rounders in Ravindra Jadeja, who returned to his first IPL franchise after departing in 2009.

RR have a host of young talent, with their much-vaunted opening pair of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi set to be watched with a lot of interest this season. Other players who could make significant contributions with the bat are captain Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, and Shimron Hetmyer, with Shubham Dubey also capable of upping the ante in the death overs.

The Royals also have lethal fast-bowling options in Jofra Archer, Tushar Deshpande, Kuldeep Sen, and Kwena Maphaka, with all-rounders Jadeja, Dasun Shanaka, and Riyan Parag further bolstering the bowling attack. However, their out-and-out spin-bowling options are relatively limited, as they only have Ravi Bishnoi alongside part-timers. 

CSK, on the other hand, have also added several young players to their ranks. Getting unknown and uncapped players in the form of Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer is a risky move, but the players have proved themselves in their short domestic careers; under the guidance of Indian stalwart MS Dhoni, they could really progress at a rapid pace.

Also, having the likes of explosive youngsters like Dewald Brevis, Ayush Mhatre, and Urvil Patel, along with the experienced Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson at the top, could provide the right balance to the squad. The hard-hitting Shivam Dube can also provide the late impetus down the order.

Their fast-bowling department is stacked, boasting the likes of Matt Henry, Khaleel Ahmed, Gurjapneet Singh, Anshul Kamboj, and Spencer Johnson. They have added variety to their spin attack by bringing in Akeal Hosein, who could be a potent weapon alongside Rahul Chahar and Noor Ahmad.

Coming to this match-up, the game is being played in Guwahati, which is generally a batting-friendly wicket and could result in a high-scoring encounter here. If the RR openers get going, they could set a big target if they bat first. However, their bowling seems to be a weak link, and with the CSK batting line-up possessing the right mix of youth and experience, this may be a lost cause for the Rajasthan Royals.

Based on their experience, long batting order, and better spin options, we believe the Super Kings will pull off a victory here and emerge victorious.

Fantasy XI: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Noor Ahmad, Ravi Bishnoi, Jofra Archer, Matt Henry

Venue: Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati
Winners Prediction: Chennai Super Kings