Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) face off in Match 3 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season at Guwahati, with both teams looking to reset after disappointing 2025 campaigns.
The two sides were finalists in the inaugural 2008 season, when RR lifted the title, but their trajectories have since moved in opposite directions. CSK built a sustained legacy with 10 final appearances and five titles, while RR made the finals only once more, finishing runners-up in 2022.
This season also adds a fresh layer to the contest following a high-profile trade that saw Sanju Samson move to CSK, while Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran joined RR. With leadership changes, returning stars, and emerging talent on both sides, the contest presents multiple individual subplots that will no doubt decide the result.
Here's a look at three players from each side to watch out for at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.
Chennai Super Kings
Sanju Samson
All eyes will be on Samson as he faces his former franchise for the first time. Now part of CSK, he arrives as one of the most in-form T20 batters globally, playing a central role in India's T20 World Cup 2026 triumph. He scored 321 runs in the tournament and was named Player of the Tournament.
His contributions in knockout matches, including an unbeaten 97* against West Indies, followed by scores of 89 in both the semi-final and final, underline his ability to deliver under pressure. With MS Dhoni unavailable, Samson is also expected to take up wicketkeeping duties, signalling a changing of the guard within the franchise.
Ayush Mhatre
Mhatre's rise has been rapid. Signed as an injury replacement in 2025, he made an immediate impression with his aggressive approach, finishing the season with 240 runs at a strike rate close to 189. His 94 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru highlighted his ability to dominate attacks. Since then, he has added leadership credentials, captaining India to the Under-19 World Cup title in 2026 while scoring consistently through the tournament. His versatility, shifting between anchor and aggressor roles, makes him a key top-order option.
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Shivam Dube
Dube continues to evolve as a dependable middle-order presence. He played a significant role in India's T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, scoring 235 runs from lower-middle-order positions. His ability to maintain a strike rate above 160 while anchoring the latter stages of an innings has made him a reliable finisher. For CSK, his role in maximising the final overs could be decisive.
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
Ravindra Jadeja
Jadeja's return to RR adds both experience and balance. Though he stepped away from T20 internationals in 2024, his IPL value remains intact. He continues to offer control with the ball in the middle overs and finishing ability with the bat. The all-rounder is also approaching key milestones this season, being just 9 sixes short from 150 T20 sixes and 15 runs shy of 4000 T20 runs.
Riyan Parag
Parag enters IPL 2026 as RR's full-time captain, marking a significant step in his career. At 24, he is among the youngest leaders in the competition. Having already led Assam in domestic cricket and briefly captained RR last season, he will be eager to delivery in front of an adoring home crowd in Guwahati. Beyond leadership, his all-round contribution remains vital, the RR captain is two wickets away from reaching 50 T20 wickets, a reflection of his growing utility.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi
Suryavanshi represents the next generation of Indian batting talent. Still only 15, he has already produced standout performances across formats. The prodigy from Bihar already has an IPL century to his name from last season, and is fresh from scoring a record-breaking 175 in the Under-19 World Cup final against England. His U19 WC knock is the highest individual score in a final or knockout game in Youth ODIs and also the highest score by any batter in an ICC tournament final. Opening alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, his aggressive approach could shape RR's starts.
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