Chennai Super Kings and the Rajasthan Royals will clash in the third match of the IPL 2026 at the iconic Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. The two teams finished as the two last teams on the IPL points table and would be eyeing a playoff spot this time around.
The Chennai Super Kings Playing XI vs Rajasthan Royals Playing XI would feature the likes of Sanju Samson and Ravindra Jadeja, but this time for the opposing teams. Samson would be seen in Yellow, and Jadeja has headed back to his former franchise, RR.
Chennai Super Kings Playing XI vs Rajasthan Royals Playing XI – Match 3
Chennai Super Kings Playing XI vs Rajasthan Royals
Openers: Ayush Mhatre and Sanju Samson
CSK found a unique talent in Ayush Mhatre last season. The Mumbai-based opener played a stunning hand for the Men in Yellow and will be crucial for them in this season as well. On the other hand, Sanju Samson has been backed as the new opener in the side. Samson played a massive role for India and is in promising touch.
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Middle Order Batters and All-rounders: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Dewald Brevis, Prashant Veer, Anshul Kamboj, Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni
The CSK skipper, Ruturaj Gaikwad, is one of the most stunning batters in the CSK lineup. He had played a pivotal role in CSK’s success under MS Dhoni’s leadership; however, in recent times, the franchise has not flourished under Gaikwad.
Dewald Brevis, the South African middle-order batter, has been in some form since the last IPL season. Prashant Veer was one of their most highly paid cricketers and will be picked as a like-for-like replacement for Ravindra Jadeja.
Shivam Dube and MS Dhoni will be adding depth to the CSK lineup and will also be key to their lower order as finishers. Anshul Kamboj would be picked over 14.20 crore star Kartik Sharma, as CSK needs more bowlers in the XI.
Bowlers: Jamie Overton, Rahul Chahar and Khaleel Ahmed
English all-rounder Jamie Overton played a key hand for England in the ICC T20 World Cup with the ball. He will be crucial for CSK as he might be featuring as the third pacer in the side. Khaleel Ahmed is likely to take the new ball, while Rahul Chahar is the new spinner in the side.
Impact Player: Noor Ahmed
The Afghan spinner played a massive role in CSK’s success in the last edition. He managed 24 wickets and finished IPL 2025 as the second-highest wicket-getter. Noor will be the possible impact player in the side.
Chennai Super Kings Probable XI: Ayush Mhatre, Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Dewald Brevis, Prashant Veer, Anshul Kamboj, Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni, Jamie Overton, Rahul Chahar and Khaleel Ahmed.
Impact Player: Noor Ahmed / Spencer Joshnson
Rajasthan Royals Playing XI vs Chennai Super Kings
Openers: Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaiswal
Yashasvi Jaiswal, the key Indian opener, has played a massive role for RR ever since he was drafted into the Royals XI. The opener anchors the innings at the top of the order, and Vaibhav Suryavanshi might be the accelerator in the innings. The two are the most vital set of batters in the Rajasthan Royals XI.
Middle Order Batters and All-rounders: Riyan Parag (c), Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Ravindra Jadeja, Dasun Shanaka
Riyan Parag, the skipper, might promote himself back into the no. 3 spot, where he scored the most runs for the Royals. Dhruv Jurel will be the other youngster who eyes a team India spot with a promising run in the IPL. Shimron Hetmyer will once again play a finisher’s role in the side, and his great form will aid the Royals this time around.
Ravindra Jadeja, the veteran, returns to the RR camp and will be crucial with the bat, especially when playing at the ACA Stadium. Dasun Shanaka is also a batting all-rounder and often produces an impact with the ball.
Bowlers: Ravi Bishnoi, Jofra Archer, Sandeep Sharma and Tushar Deshpande
After Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal departed from the XI, Ravi Bishnoi is the first player who can be a standout spinner for them. Jofra Archer will be their ace card with the new ball, and Sandeep Sharma will once again be used carefully in the death.
Impact Player: Shubham Dubey
Rajasthan Royals picked Shubham Dubey as the impact player who can add some more batting depth to the side. Dubey will be used under conditions when the Royals chase big totals; on other occasions, bowlers like Nandre Burger could also be picked as an impact player.
Rajasthan Royals Probable XI: Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag (c), Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Ravindra Jadeja, Dasun Shanaka, Ravi Bishnoi, Jofra Archer, Sandeep Sharma and Tushar Deshpande/Nandre Burger.
Impact Player: Shubham Dubey
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