IPL 2026 Match 3: RR vs CSK Prediction – Who Wins in Guwahati?

The third match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is set to be a massive “reunion” clash. On Monday, March 30, 2026, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) will host the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at their second home, the ACA Stadium (Barsapara) in Guwahati.

This fixture carries immense emotional weight. After 10 seasons, Sanju Samson returns to face his former franchise in CSK yellow, while Ravindra Jadeja returns to his roots in the Pink jersey. With Riyan Parag leading the Royals and Ruturaj Gaikwad captaining the Super Kings, the battle for dominance in Northeast India is on.

Match 3 Quick Summary

• Match: Rajasthan Royals (RR) vs Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

• Date & Time: Monday, March 30, 2026, at 7:30 PM IST

• Venue: ACA Stadium, Barsapara, Guwahati

• Win Probability: CSK (53.7%) | RR (46.3%)

• The Big Story: Sanju Samson’s first game for CSK against RR; Ravindra Jadeja’s debut as a traded RR player.

• Pitch Report: A batter’s paradise with short boundaries. Expect a high-scoring game ($190+$).

Match Details: RR vs CSK, IPL 2026

Pitch Report: The Barsapara “Belter”

The ACA Stadium in Guwahati is known for its high-octane T20 matches. In 2025, RR won a thriller here, and the surface remains a delight for stroke-makers.

• Batting: The pitch is flat with true bounce. Short square boundaries make it easy for power hitters like Shivam Dube and Shimron Hetmyer.

• Bowling: Pacers might see some initial swing, but once the ball gets old, it’s a difficult ground for bowlers. Spinners will have to rely on subtle variations.

• Dew Factor: Being in the Northeast, the dew factor will be Very High. The team winning the toss will almost certainly bowl first to avoid bowling with a wet ball in the second innings.

Head-to-Head Record: RR vs CSK

While CSK led the rivalry for years, Rajasthan has been incredibly aggressive against them recently.

• Total Matches Played: 31

• Won by CSK: 16

• Won by RR: 15

• Recent Trend: RR won both encounters in the 2025 season.

• Highest Score (CSK): 246/5 (IPL 2010)

• Highest Score (RR): 223/5 (IPL 2010)

Predicted Playing XIs for IPL 2026 Match 3

Rajasthan Royals (RR) XI:

1. Yashasvi Jaiswal

2. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

3. Riyan Parag (C)

4. Shimron Hetmyer ✈️

5. Dhruv Jurel

6. Ravindra Jadeja

7. Sam Curran ✈️

8. Jofra Archer ✈️

9. Sandeep Sharma

10. Ravi Bishnoi

11. Nandre Burger ✈️

• Impact Player: Tushar Deshpande

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) XI:

1. Ruturaj Gaikwad (C)

2. Sanju Samson

3. Ayush Mhatre

4. Dewald Brevis ✈️

5. Shivam Dube

6. Prashant Veer

7. MS Dhoni (WK)

8. Jamie Overton ✈️

9. Noor Ahmad ✈️

10. Matt Henry ✈️

11. Khaleel Ahmed

• Impact Player: Kartik Sharma

Key Player Battles to Watch

1. Jofra Archer vs Sanju Samson: Archer is back at 100% fitness. Watching him bowl 150kph thunderbolts to the man who used to captain him will be the highlight of the Powerplay.

2. Ravindra Jadeja vs Noor Ahmad: “Sir” Jadeja against the Afghan mystery spinner in the middle overs could decide if RR finishes with a flourish.

3. Riyan Parag vs Shivam Dube: The battle of the Indian domestic powerhouses. Both are elite finishers; whoever hits more sixes in the death overs likely wins the game for their team.

Who Wins Today’s Match? (The Verdict)

This is a game of two halves. RR has the better bowling unit on paper with the inclusion of Archer and Jadeja. However, CSK’s top order, now featuring the experience of Sanju Samson alongside Ruturaj Gaikwad, looks impenetrable.

Given the dew factor and the short boundaries in Guwahati, the team batting second has a massive 70% advantage. However, with the “Dhoni Factor” and a refreshed middle order, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are predicted to edge out Rajasthan Royals in a high-scoring thriller.

Final Prediction: Chennai Super Kings to win Match 3.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q1: Why is RR playing in Guwahati instead of Jaipur?

RR uses Guwahati as their second home stadium to promote cricket in Northeast India. They will play three home games here in 2026.

Q2: Did Sanju Samson leave Rajasthan Royals?

Yes, in a historic trade before the IPL 2026 season, Sanju Samson moved to CSK, while Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran moved to RR.

Q3: Is MS Dhoni playing in IPL 2026?

Yes, MS Dhoni has been retained by CSK and is expected to play a specialized finisher/mentor role this season.

Q4: Where can I buy RR vs CSK tickets for Guwahati?

Tickets are available on the District App and Website, with prices ranging from ₹2,700 to ₹5,300.

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