Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings, IPL, 2026 Mar 30 Full score card

Rajasthan Royals cruise home with ease. Tossed up on the pads from around the wicket, Jaiswal presses back and clips it in front of square on the leg side for the winning run. Handshakes and smiles all around in the RR camp as they get their campaign underway with a thumping win.

Henry nails the yorker, right at the base of the middle stump. Parag digs it out down the strip.

Wide! The scores are level. Matt serves another short ball, just outside off. Parag looks to glide it down to deep third but misses. Riyan has a look at the square leg umpire but gets nothing. He feels the ball went over his head, and he takes the review to get the height checked. The replays confirm that the ball went over the batter's head. The on-field decision has been reversed.

A bumper, over the left shoulder. Yashasvi gets his hands high and drags the pull to deep mid-wicket for another single. 2 more needed for RR.

Very full, on middle, not allowing Parag to under the ball. Riyan can only hit this one along the ground to long on for one.

Henry goes short, over off. Jaiswal pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Full and across off, Jaiswal goes hard on the drive and loses his shape in the process. The bat turns in his hand and he miscues it off the inner half. The ball dribbles towards the vacant mid-wicket region and Yashasvi comes charging back for the second run.

SIX! Jaiswal in a hurry now! Henry bowls full and on middle. Jaiswal creates room by moving leg side and charges down the track before thumping it over the long off fence for a biggie. RR need just 7 runs to win.

SIX! Gets this one alright! Too full from Noor, on middle. Riyan Parag again goes for the switch hit and nails it perfectly by getting under it. Clears deep backward point with ease for a six. Strong bottom-hand usage by Riyan on this occasion.

A touch short, on middle. Riyan switches his stance and tries the reverse, but misses. The ball deflects off the front pad and rolls behind to short third.

JUST SHORT! Floated up on the stumps, Jaiswal shuffles across and plays the sweep in the air toward deep square leg. Matt Henry charges in from the ropes and dives forward, but the ball lands just short of him. They pick up a single.

A conventional leg break now, full and around off. Yashasvi Jaiswal crouches a bit and tries to slog it downtown, but misses as the ball spins past his outside edge.

Another googly dished out outside off, on a length. Riyan Parag plays it down to long off for a single.

Flat googly, full on the stumps. Jaiswal heaves it off the inner half to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Halfway through. RR need only 22 runs to win in 60 balls. Here's Noor Ahmad who returns into the attack.

Taken by Kartik Sharma, or has he? Sharma is not quite sure, and the check that has taken place in the background confirms that the ball bounced before going to hand. In the channel, on a length. Parag pushes at it with hard hands. The ball goes off an outside edge towards Kartik, who is in really tight at backward point. He dives, but the ball drops short.

FOUR! Excellently manufactured! Khaleel digs it in short, near the tramline. Parag gets on his toes and swings at it to go aerial. He gets his hands high to slap it between extra cover and mid off for a four. 22 more needed for the Royals.

Goes full, does Khaleel, in line with the off stump. Parag is early into the drive and plays it a bit uppishly in front of mid off.

A good bumper from around the wicket, outside off. It keeps rising on its way to the keeper and Parag drops his wrists to let it go.

Slanting in at the hips, on a back of a length. Jaiswal nudges it wide of mid-wicket and hurries to the other end.

Pace taken off, on a back of a length, on middle. Parag arches back and runs it down to deep third. They cross.

On a good length, on off. Jaiswal angles it to backward point.

Pitches it up again, on middle. Jaiswal pushes it with a straight bat to mid off.

The 100 is up for RR! Full and at 133.5 kph, outside off. Parag looks to cover the line and defend. The ball goes off the outside edge to deep third for one.

STRATEGIC BREAK​​​​! The Royals are inching closer to a big win over the men in yellow, and would love to close this out as quickly as possible. They need just 29 runs in 69 balls. After the dismissal of Sooryavanshi, Dhruv Jurel continued the charge with a brisk 18 before falling. CSK are fighting a lost cause here in Guwahati, and they will aim to prevent their net run rate from a huge early dent. In walks the RR skipper, Riyan Parag.

OUT! DRAGGED ON! Dhruv Jurel tries to be cheeky and sees his leg stump go for a walk. Another relatively full ball, outside off. Jurel shuffles across for the scoop and gets low to get under the ball. Ends up deflecting the ball onto the leg stump off the face of the bat. End of a breezy knock from Jurel.

FOUR! Streaky! Full and around the off stump. A tentative prod by Jurel. Gets an inside edge that goes down to deep fine leg. Khaleel Ahmed goes after it and slides. He tries to parry the ball towards the converging Matthew Short but fails to get enough hand on it and the ball ends up trickling onto the ropes. 5 boundaries in the last 6 balls.

FOUR! Clubbed! Bowled with an upright seam but right in the slot, just outside the off stump. Jurel gets behind the line and whips it towads wide long on. It nearly went the distance.

FOUR! Clever, very clever! Pushed across the left-hander, on a hard length. Jaiswal arches back and uses the pace by playing the upper cut. Sanju Samson leaps and sticks out his left hand but the ball evades him and races away. Rajasthan Royals need 37 more runs.

On a hard length, outside off, Dhruv guides it to deep third and crosses over.

FOUR! Behind square this time, but the result is the same. Cross-seam ball from Overton. This time, he gets the line wrong. Overton bowls it at the hips, on a back of a length. Dhruv pivots and pulls it wide of deep fine leg for a four.

FOUR! Lovely! Overton slides onto the pads and errs in length as well. This is too full and Jurel brings his wrists into play and flicks it towards deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

Into the wicket, outside off. Jurel swivels in the crease for the pull but the ball skids through to rush him. It goes back towards the bowler off the splice of the bat.

A floater first up, at the base of the off stump. Jaiswal digs it out in front of point for a single.

This nips back in, on a good length, outside off. Jurel hangs back and tries to use the pace by opening the bat face. Ends up chopping it down behind the stumps.

At the hips, on a short of a length. Jaiswal turns it square on the leg side for one.

Pushed across the left-hander, on a good length. Jaiswal looks to run it down but misses.

On middle and leg, angled into the right-hander. Jurel nudges it in front of square on the leg side for a single.

The Super Kings finally have a wicket, but the damage has been done. Dhruv Jurel walks in at number 3.

OUT! CAUGHT! Hit flat and taken. The fun is over for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Disbelief on the face of the teenager before he starts to make the long walk back. Across off, on a good length. Sooryavanshi absolutely picks the bones out of it as he gets under the ball and slams it to deep cover. He fails to get any elevation on the lofted hit. Sarfaraz Khan runs in off the ropes and dives forward to take a good catch. A blitzkrieg from Vaibhav comes to an end.

On top of off, on a short of a length. Jaiswal taps it in front of point and takes a quick single.

That's the end of the Powerplay. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has made this chase look like an absolute stroll in the park. CSK have no answers to this onslaught as yet. Anshul Kamboj (1-0-15-0) to continue.

Drags the length back now, on the pads. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi shovels it wide of deep square leg for a couple of runs. At the end of 6 overs, the Rajasthan Royals are 74/0.

SIX MORE! Carnage, absolute carnage. A 15-ball IPL fifty for the 15-year-old, the joint third-fastest in the league's history. A salute towards the dressing room from Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to celebrate reaching the milestone. Another wrong 'un but this is fuller than the previous ball and quicker too. Vaibhav clears the front leg and with a flick of his wrists, he mows it flat and over long on for a six.

SIX! Clean as a whistle! Tossed up, googly, fuller in length, on middle. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi clears the front leg and just tees off. He pumps it over long on for a biggie.

Continues to bowl it quicker through the air, on the shorter side, on middle. Jaiswal knocks it to long on and crosses over.

Short and quick, on off, punched to cover off the back foot.

FOUR BYES! The runs keep flowing. Sliding into the left-hander, on a nagging length. Jaiswal switches his stance and goes for the switch hit. Sanju Samson is blinded by the batter standing in front of him. He moves to his right but only gets fingertips to it. It races down to deep fine leg for four byes.

SIX! CLEAN HIT! A friendly half volley by Kamboj, asking to be hit. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi clears the front leg and smokes it over long on for a ferocious six. 50 UP FOR RAJASTHAN ROYALS!

Nagging length, on off, Vaibhav miscues the pull shot to mid on.

FOUR! Edgy, but will do for the southpaw! On a length, around off. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi swings hard at it, but gets a thick inside edge past the stumps and it races to the deep fine leg fence.

FOUR! Sooryavanshi is looking unstoppable! On a good length, outside off. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi arches back, uses the pace and ramps it over short third for a boundary. This is great field awareness from the teenager. He moves to 28 (10).

Short on top of off, Yashasvi Jaiswal walks forward and tucks it across through mid-wicket for an easy run.

BEAUTY! Lands on the seam and nips away from off, on a good length. Yashasvi Jaiswal goes for the straight drive, but the ball zips past the outside edge as it keeps leaving him.

A touch full on middle, Yashasvi Jaiswal flicks it to deep square leg for a single.

Back of a length, on off, jabbed off the back foot to mid-wicket by Jaiswal.

Short and outside off, Jaiswal helps it behind using the pace, but finds the fielder at short third.

Nips back in from a good length, Yashasvi Jaiswal prods forward to play the cover drive, but inside edges onto the pads.

FOUR! Not timed cleanly, but good enough to find the fence. Back of a length, on the off stump line. Yashasvi Jaiswal swings and gets it off the higher part of the bat. He lofts it down the ground for a boundary to the left of long off.

An in-angling yorker, on the stumps. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi looks to carve it through cover, but gets a thick inside edge through square leg for a single.

Shortish delivery, jumping off the deck a bit, on off. Vaibhav cuts it away to deep backward point for a single. The Rajasthan Royals are already going at more than 10 an over.

SIX! What a cracking shot! Henry bowls a slower delivery, and keeps the line of attack outside off. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi presses back and crunches it aerially, and just about manages to clear the ropes behind deep point for a six.

Good-length delivery, outside off, Jaiswal cuts it off the back foot to deep backward point and rotates the strike again.

Almost a half tracker at 118.9 kph, outside off. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi slices the slower one over point. It goes on the bounce to the fielder in the deep for a single.

Angled outside off, on a hard length. Yashasvi Jaiswal square cuts it to deep backward point for one.

Back of a length, on the fifth stump, nipping away at 135.6 kph. Yashasvi Jaiswal rocks back and punches it to cover.

FOUR! Clear intentions from Vaibhav! Ahmed bowls it a tad short and outside off. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi carves it over point for a boundary. The Royals need 104 runs from 108 balls.

Hard length, outside off, Jaiswal cuts it hard to deep backward point for a single.

Slightly outside off, on a good length. Jaiswal leaves.

SNORTER! A bit fullish and around off. It lands and then cuts back in off the seam. Yashasvi Jaiswal draws the front foot out as he tries to defend, but is beaten on the inside edge by a kitten whisker.

Another inswinger on a length around off. Yashasvi leans forward and drives it to the right of mid on.

A review lost! Khaleel generates a good amount of inswing on a length, into the batter. Sooryavanshi plays the wrong line as the ball sneaks past the inside edge to rap him on the back thigh. It then rolls past Overton at short third and the batters cross over. But Khaleel goes up in appeal for LBW, which is turned down by the umpire. Khaleel convinces Ruturaj Gaikwad to take the review. There is a clear gap between pad and bat, and Ball Tracking shows the ball is projected to go over the leg stump. The on-field decision is upheld.

Rapped on the pads! A prolonged appeal from Khaleel Ahmed but the umpire turns it down. Khaleel is pretty confident and he convinces Ruturaj Gaikwad to send it upstairs.

The left-arm speedster, Khaleel Ahmed will bowl from the other end.

FOUR! Easy pickings! Too straight from Henry, on a back of a length, at the hips. Jaiswal lets the ball come to him and glances it to the right of short fine leg for a boundary. The Royals are up and running. 18 runs off the first over!

Banged in short around the fourth stump, with taken pace off at 117.5 kph. Sooryavanshi goes for the pull again but only manages a top edge that drops safely into the vacant short third region. They settle for a single as the fielder gets around to stop it.

SIX! Gets more than enough on it! Good length, on top of the stumps. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi pounces on it and heaves it cleanly behind deep mid-wicket for a huge six.

DROPPED, FOUR! A tough chance goes down. Henry drags it short, wide outside off. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi stands tall and tries to pull it into the stands behind deep mid-wicket, but gets it off the top edge. Kartik Sharma from the inner ring runs backwards and dives in the outfield to take the catch, but puts it down. As the ball trickles toward the ropes, Sharma tries to flick it back in with a slide, but he slips and fails to prevent a four.

Good length, nipping in from middle. Jaiswal gets across and tucks it in the mid-wicket region for a quick single.

A misfield first up, which allows an extra run. Henry gets some notable inward movement on a good length. Around off and this is cut off the back foot by Jaiswal to point. Sarfaraz Khan fails to collect it cleanly and parries the ball to the deep for two runs. The Royals are underway in the chase.

OUT! OVERTON IS RUN OUT! CSK ARE BOWLED OUT ON 127. Back of a length outside off, rolled into a slower ball. Overton goes for the pull but gets it off the toe end, hitting it towards Hetmyer at deep mid-wicket. Overton is a bit reluctant but makes a late call for the run. And spotting a rather casual return from Shimron Hetmyer to the striker’s end, Overton attempts the second run and skates through to get back, but Dhruv Jurel collects the ball on the bounce and whips the bails off with Jamie short by a fair bit.

Gone? Yep, Jamie Overton is short. He tried to sneak in the second run but did not succeed in doing so.

Slow and on a length, on the pads. Kamboj stands tall and steers it behind square on the leg side for an easy single. Sensible stuff from Anshul there.

Goes for the yorker now, on off, Jamie carves it down to long off for a single only.

SIX! MUSCLED INTO THE STANDS! Sandeep goes short into the pitch, right on top of middle. Jamie Overton creates a strong base for himself, clears the front leg to make some room and nails the pull shot over deep mid-wicket for a flat six. And as per the on-air commentators, this is the highest 10th wicket partnership for CSK in the history of the IPL.

The concussion check is complete, and Jamie Overton is okay to continue. Sandeep Sharma will bowl the final over. 2-0-13-1 are the figures so far for Sandeep.

Ouch! That's a hostile delivery from Burger to end the spell. He bowls a well-directed short ball at the bodyline of the batter. Jamie Overton is beaten all ends up on the pull shot and cops a nasty blow on the helmet. The ball then rolls to the fine leg region for a leg bye.

Hits the deck hard, outside off. Anshul Kamboj looks to punch it on the rise on the off side, but gets a fat outside edge. Ravindra Jadeja is stationed fine in the deep third region. He comfortably gets across to his left to keep it down to a single only. Good captaincy from Parag there.

Slows it up, on a length, outside off, Overton punches it down to long off for one. He moves to 35 (32).

On a length, nipping back in from middle. Anshul Kamboj swipes across the line but misses and the ball thuds the pads before rolling into the point region. A leg bye taken.

FOUR! Kamboj makes the Free Hit count! More than alright for CSK. Slower delivery, into the pitch, on middle. Anshul Kamboj is early into the shot, and despite the bottom hand coming off the handle, he manages to pull it over backward square leg for a boundary.

At 141.7 now, this is bashed hard on a length, on middle. Kamboj stays in the crease and taps it back at the bowler. Uh, oh! A No Ball called by the umpire as Burger has overstepped.

Hard length, from around the stump, on off. Jamie Overton rocks back and slashes the slower one to deep point for a single.

Nandre Burger is back for his final over. 3-0-18-2 so far for Burger.

Attacks the stumps, full in length. Jamie Overton flicks it all along the grass to the deep mid-wicket region for a single to retain the strike.

At pace and on a good length, on off. Anshul Kamboj gets back and across and dinks it through mid-wicket for a single.

Just over! Lucky, very lucky, Overton. Sandeep with another pace-off delivery, full and on middle. Jamie Overton lines up for a flick shot, but gets off the leading edge over the leaping Sandeep Sharma. The ball trickles to the mid on region and the batters get a single.

Short of a good length, angled at the pads. Anshul Kamboj tries to nudge it to the leg side, but misses and the ball deflects off the thigh pad. It rolls past the diving Dhruv Jurel to his left and they cross.

Hurls another slower one, full and outside off. Jamie Overton heaves it over mid on for a single.

FOUR! Overton is playing a good hand for the men in yellow! Short from Sandeep, on the off pole. Jamie Overton picks the slower one, waits for it, and pulls. It goes more off the top edge to long leg for a boundary. 100 UP FOR CSK!

Nails the yorker in, on off. Jamie Overton pushes it away down to long off for a single. CSK are 99/9 as Jofra Archer is done with an exceptional spell of 4-0-19-2.

FOUR! Far from the middle of the blade though. Full from Archer this time around, on middle and leg. Jamie Overton clears the front leg and attempts to carve it over covers, but gets a thick top edge and the ball flies over backward point for a boundary.

Swing and a miss again! Back of a length, on middle. Jamie Overton is late on the pull and does not get bat on the ball.

Trying to be cheeky there! Overton tries to ramp the full toss over short fine leg, but misses, and the ball passes over the middle pole to the keeper.

Good gas from the Englishman! Spears in a short ball, on top of the leg stump. Jamie Overton backs away and tries the pull shot again, but fails to connect.

Beaten! At 140.2 kph, Archer slams the deck really hard and gets a good lift outside off. Overton swings his bat across to pull but misses due to excessive pace and bounce.

Nice and full, it is the wrong'un on middle. Anshul Kamboj leans forward and defends it off the inner half beside the strip on the leg side. A fantastic over from Ravi Bishnoi. His figures read 3-0-16-1.

Slides it down leg, at 100.4 kph. Anshul Kamboj looks to nudge it around the corner, but misses and the ball rolls off the pads to the left of the keeper.

Flatter and shorter, on off. Anshul Kamboj pats it to cover.

Anshul Kamboj is the last man in.

OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Bishnoi has his first for his new team. Nothing extraordinary from him as this is pushed quicker and fuller, on middle. Matt Henry gets on the front foot, tries to push it down the ground, but fails to keep it along the ground and chips it back to the bowler. Ravi Bishnoi bends low on the follow-through and takes the catch to send Henry packing. A classic tailender wicket and CSK are 94/9.

Dishes out a googly at 93.8 kph, short on leg. Henry taps it across to the leg side.

Full and sliding into the batter, on middle. Jamie Overton goes on the back foot and nudges it to backward square leg for a single.

STRATEGIC BREAK! The situation has only worsened for the Chennai Super Kings since the last timeout. Their last hope now rests with Jamie Overton, who will look to bat through the 20 overs with some support from the other end. So far, so good for the Rajasthan Royals, who will want to complete the mop-up job quickly and not allow CSK to build any sort of partnership. Ravi Bishnoi has been brought back.

Pace off and short outside off. Jamie climbs over it and pulls it to the right of deep mid-wicket. Yashasvi Jaiswal comes charging across to his right in the deep and cuts it off with the dive. A single to end the over.

Slower delivery at just 105.3 kph, full and around off. Henry looks to play it straight, but mistimes his shot to deep mid-wicket for a single.

TOP EDGE, FOUR! Important runs for CSK these, no matter how they come. Brijesh bowls short and outside off. Henry swings across to pull, but only manages a thick top edge that flies over the keeper for a boundary. A four after 28 balls for the Super Kings.

At 111 kph now, a full toss on the body. Henry heaves it off the inner half to mid-wicket.

Short and outside off, at 126.6 kph and it keeps rising from the deck. Matt Henry shapes up for the pull shot, only to miss.

Full and on off, Jamie Overton drives it to deep point for a single.

A well-directed short ball, around off. Jamie Overton stands tall and pulls it between long on and deep mid-wicket. Shimron Hetmyer from the latter position gets across to cut it off. One taken.

The stumps are attacked on a fuller length, Jamie Overton knocks it to mid off.

WIDE! Back of a length, going down leg. Overton looks to pull off the back foot but misses. Wide given.

Halt! A painful blow on the bottom of the right bicep for Jamie Overton. The physio is out with the magic spray. Overton is fine to resume.

Hard length angling in and around the off stump, with extra bounce. Overton looks to work it away with a closed bat face but gets beaten on the outside edge and wears it on the right bicep.

Short of a length outside off. Overton clears his front leg and has a swipe at that but fails to connect.

Follows the batter as Overton moves leg side. Burger slams the deck hard, slanting in at bodyline. Jamie punches it back to the bowler.

Full and angling in from around the stump. Overton plays off the back foot and flicks it through wide mid on for a couple of quick runs.

BEATEN! Wide line from Archer, outside off on a good length and it skids through. Matt Henry stays put, swings his bat to punch it away, but the ball zips past his outside edge. A wicket and just 3 runs in Archer's comeback over.

A sorry night continues for the Super Kings as another one bites the dust. Matt Henry is in at number 10.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! The two-card trick from Jofra Archer works like a charm. After a couple of bumpers, he slips in the full ball, just outside the off stump. Noor Ahmad does not move his feet at all and goes hard on the drive with his hands. The ball catches an outside edge and goes behind, where the keeper, Dhruv Jurel gobbles it up.

Wow! Serious wheels from Archer. At 141.8 kph, dug in short, outside off. Noor Ahmad has a swing at it but the ball keeps climbing onto him and sails over his blade. A leaping take behind the sticks by Dhruv Jurel.

Skidding through, on a hard length, outside off. Noor flashes but fails to connect.

Full and straight at the sticks. Noor pushes it with a straight bat to mid off. Overton is keen for a single but gets sent back by his partner.

Begins with a full ball, outside off. Jamie Overton extends his hands and eases the drive between cover and mid off. Riyan Parag turns around and goes after it from mid off. He hauls it in with a slide, saving a run for his side.

Jofra Archer is brought back on. 2-0-11-1 are his bowling figures so far. He replaces Brijesh Sharma.

Slowed down by Jadeja and he finds a considerable amount of turn. Full and on off. Noor pushes away from his body as he chips it on the bounce to backward point.

Leg bye! Pushed down leg, short in length. Overton looks to shovel it away but misses. A leg bye is taken as the ball goes towards short fine leg.

Full and drifting onto the pads. Jamie wrists it in front of deep square leg and takes the first run hard. A slip in the deep for the fielder allows Overton to complete the second run comfortably.

This is pushed through with a slightly round-arm action, on the shorter side, around leg. Jamie Overton looks to work it away on the leg side but misses and gets hit on the pads.

At 91.7 kph, full and on middle. Noor pushes it with a straight bat to long off. They cross.

Flighted delivery, full and on off. Overton knocks it to wide long off and crosses over.

Ravindra Jadeja (2-0-14-2) to continue.

Takes pace off now, on a good length, on the off stump. Noor angles it off the back foot to point.

At 131.3 kph, a sharp and quick bumper, on off. Noor goes for the pull but the ball keeps rising and sails over his blade.

Brijesh Sharma bowls it on a shortish length, angled into the right-hander. Ahmad fends it down the strip.

It keeps going downhill for the Super Kings in Guwahati. Into the tailenders now as Noor Ahmad walks in at number 9.

OUT! PLUMB IN FRONT! Maiden IPL wicket for Brijesh Sharma. He will remember this moment for the rest of his life. Sharma keeps the stumps in play with a full ball. Kartik has a swipe across the line, but the ball is a bit too full, and it sneaks past the inside edge to catch him low on the front pad. This looks straight, and the finger is raised. Kartik Sharma has taken the review, though, but it looks more in hope than anything else. UltraEdge confirms no bat. Over to the Ball Tracking. It comes up as three reds with the ball crashing into the leg stump. Another CSK batter falls in an attempt to go across the line.

Sliding into the right-hander, full in length. Kartik plays it with soft hands in the vacant mid-wicket region and quickly comes back for the second run.

Wide! Fuller but down leg, Kartik attempts the sweep but does not connect.

Sharma bashes the hard length, on middle. Overton gets on his toes to turn it away on the leg side. The ball climbs on the batter and Jamie ekes out an inside edge onto the body. Jamie gets called through for a quick single as the ball drops on the leg side.

Halfway through the first innings and pace is back on. Brijesh Sharma (1-0-6-0) replaces Ravi Bishnoi.

Speared in at the pads, on a length. Overton clips it wide of square leg for a run.

SIX! Nice use of the feet! Tossed up, fuller and on middle. Jamie Overton gives the bowler the charge and holds his shape as he pumps it over the sight screen for a biggie.

Full and attacking the front pad, watchfully defended by Jamie.

Risky single! A run out is the last thing CSK want right now. Floated up, on off. Kartik drops it with soft hands in front of point. A bit of hesitation before the batters decide to cross over. The throw from the fielder is a bit too high and that allows Overton to make his ground before Jurel can gather the throw and break the stumps.

Darted in again, on a length, Kartik stabs it down on the off side.

A ripper from Jadeja! Angled in from around the wicket, on a good length, in line with the off stump. Kartik looks to cover the line but the ball straightens off the deck to go past the outside edge.

STRATEGIC BREAK! Rajasthan Royals are all over the team in yellow like a rash and have made full use of the conditions. The Super Kings have no momentum whatsoever. With 11 overs to spare still, this is the last recognised batting pair for CSK in the middle, and a lot rests on these two to at least get them past three figures, at least. Ravindra Jadeja to continue after the break.

On the shorter side, a bit quick, Kartik hangs back and cuts it to deep backward point for one.

Tossed up now, another wrong 'un, on off. Jamie clips it through mid-wicket for a single to get off the mark.

With a leg slip in place, Ravi Bishnoi dishes out the googly, on a nagging length, on off. Overton pats it back to the bowler.

Full and quick, on off. Sharma taps it wide of cover for one.

Flat and short, on off, Sharma cuts it well but picks out backward point.

Full and outside off, this is driven along the ground wide of long off for two runs.

CSK slide into further trouble. Jamie Overton comes in at number 8.

OUT! CAUGHT! Jadeja comes up with a double strike. Wider and fuller outside off, inviting Dube to go big again. And he takes the bait. Tries to clear the long off fence with a lofted shot, but gets no timing whatsoever as his bat twists at the point of contact and ends up airing it straight to Ravi Bishnoi stationed in the deep. Dube looks at the heavens in disappointment. CSK are now 57/6.

Quicker and flatter, on off, Dube covers the line and pushes at it, getting an outside edge to short third.

Marginally outside off, on a length, Dube has a waft at it, only to miss.

SIX! Well, that's some way to get off the mark. A bit too full by Jadeja, around off. Dube gets low, gets under the ball and slogs it cleanly behind long on for a huge six.

Shivam Dube makes his way out to the middle. An intriguing battle awaits between Dube and the two RR spinners.

OUT! LBW! Jadeja with an immediate impact in new colours. Jadeja pushes it through on a fuller length, and bowls it quicker on the stumps. Sarfaraz Khan premeditates and goes for the slog sweep across the line, but misses out and the ball goes close to the inside edge before catching him around his right shoulder. Sarfaraz Khan has sent it upstairs for a review after having a brief chat with Kartik. There is a clear gap between bat and ball and the Ball Tracking comes up with three reds. Sarfaraz takes the review with him and CSK are 51/5.

From around the stump. Jadeja floats one outside off, on a fuller length. Khan reaches out and cuts it to backward point. Looks for a run but is sent back.

Spin from both ends. Ravindra Jadeja comes into the attack against his old franchise.

SIX! All the way. Bishnoi continues bowling short, and the line is on the leg stump. Kartik Sharma picks the length early, presses back and launches it with the pull shot over deep square leg for a six. 50 UP FOR CSK!

Outside off on a length, Sarfaraz Khan slashes it to deep point for another single.

A googly on a short length, on middle and leg. Kartik hangs deep in the crease and nudges it to deep mid-wicket for one more.

Short, around off. Sarfaraz Khan gets down on his knee and slogs it away between deep mid-wicket and deep square leg for a single.

Drags the length back, on off. Kartik Sharma plays off the back foot and taps it to the left of the cover fielder for a single.

Quicker googly to start with. Full and on off. Kartik leans forward and eases it back to Bishnoi.

Done with the Powerplay, and it is time for spin. Ravi Bishnoi has been tossed the ball now.

Takes some pace off by the looks of it, on a good length, on middle. Khan stays put and stabs it down the pitch. CSK end their Powerplay with 41/4 on the board.

Full and on off, Kartik Sharma walks across and drives it down to long on for a run.

Short on top of middle, Kartik Sharma gets inside the line and hooks it through square leg for a couple of runs to get off the mark.

In walks the debutant, Kartik Sharma. CSK spent INR 14.20 crores on him at the auction. Sharma is known for his six-hitting ability, and it will be interesting to see what approach he takes given the state of the game.

OUT! TAKEN! A soft, soft dismissal and Short's stay is short in the middle. A dipping full ball that cuts back into the batter after pitching. Matthew Short is way too early in his shot and ends up chipping it across to the mid-wicket region. Yashasvi Jaiswal has a bit of trouble spotting the ball in the floodlights, but he stays calm and takes a safe catch. CSK are in deep trouble at 38/4.

Stump-to-stump line, a straight ball on a fullish length. Sarfaraz nudges it across to the square leg region for a quick single.

Nip-backer on a good length, on the pads. Matthew Short hops off and tucks it behind square on the leg side for a run.

Will Burger get three in a row? Nah, he won't. Sandeep Sharma replaces him to bowl the last over of the Powerplay.

FOUR! Gets it away! Slightly too straight, skiddy delivery, on a short of a length, around leg. Sarfaraz Khan swivels and although he is not control of the shot as one hand comes off the bat handle, he gets it wide of short fine leg for a four.

Angled into the right-hander, on a short of a length. Short swivels and pulls it behind square leg for a run.

On a good length, on off, this is punched to cover.

On the shorter side, on off. Matthew cuts it hard but can't find the gap and Ravi Bishnoi makes the stop at point.

Serves it full, on the off stump. Short plays a punchy drive but can't beat cover.

Wide! On the fuller side but down leg. Matthew attempts the glance but misses.

Starts with a length ball, outside off, Short pushes it back to the bowler.

Brijesh Sharma, the debutant, replaces Jofra Archer.

A massive shout for LBW, but this time, Rajasthan Royals do not go for the review. Nip-backer from Burger, on a good length. Sarfaraz Khan is neither forward nor back and pushes out in front of his body. The ball beats him on the inside edge and goes off the thigh pad to the keeper. Looked high and the Ball Tracking confirms that the ball would have gone over the stumps.

Review time? Nope. There was a huddle around Parag and Jurel was in the ears of his skipper, but RR do not go upstairs.

Wide! Down leg, on a length. Sarfaraz fails to get it away.

SIX! Good show of intent from Sarfaraz Khan. Burger goes full but the line is on the pads as the ball curves back in. Khan dances down the track and plays the pick-up shot off the pads. He clears the backward square leg fence with a flat six.

FOUR! Up and over! Fractionally short by Burger, on off and middle with a catching mid-wicket in place. Sarfaraz presses on the back foot and gets on top of the bounce to jab it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

Rapped on the pads! Too high. This jags back in, fractionally on a back of a length, on middle. Sarfaraz Khan hangs deep in the crease to keep it out but he is beaten on the inside edge and wears it high on the thigh pad.

No hat-trick! Burger attacks the stumps, on a good length. Khan gets right behind the line of the ball and watchfully defends.

This has been a forgetful start to the new campaign for CSK. And they are forced to use their Impact Player already in the form of Sarfaraz Khan. Mhatre goes out to make way for him. He will face the Hat Trick ball from Burger.

Ayush Mhatre is substituted by Sarfaraz Khan

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Rajasthan Royals get the review right. CSK's top order has been blown away. A well-directed bumper from Burger from over the wicket, over the left shoulder of the batter. The ball keeps rising on its way to the batter. Mhatre was better off dropping his wrists, but he gets his hands high to hook the ball away. The ball goes over his gloves and the keeper, Dhruv Jurel, moves to his left to take the catch over his head. A confident shout for caught behind but turned down. The bowler goes up, as does the keeper, but the umpire is unmoved. Riyan Parag takes the review. The UltraEdge shows a spike when the ball is close to the glove and the on-field decision gets upheld. Two in two for Burger, having also taken a wicket off the last ball of his previous over. Nandre is on a hat-trick. CSK are 19/3.

The extra ball can hurt a bowler sometimes, but here, it proved to be profitable for Archer and RR massively. Both CSK openers are back in the hut in 3 overs. In walks Matthew Short at number 4.

OUT! CLEANED HIM UP! Jofra Archer strikes. The pressure of four dots earlier in the over, and although Gaikwad got a boundary away, he felt the need to end the over on a high and in trying to do so, he sees his stumps shattered. Archer keeps it simple. Full and straight at the stumps. Gaikwad premeditates as he backs away to open up the off side. He misses it completely and the ball crashes into the furniture.

Wide! This swings down leg, on a length. Gaikwad swings but is beaten for pace and he fails to connect. A sharp take by Dhruv Jurel, who dives to his left.

FOUR! Nicely done! Archer goes full in search of swing but dishes out a friendly half-volley, outside off. Gaikwad presses forward and just caresses it through covers for a boundary.

Four dots in a row! Archer pulls the length back now, on top of off. Ruturaj Gaikwad backs away to force it through the off side but ends up chopping it down to point.

Archer keeps it nice and full, on off. Ruturaj eases the drive with a straight bat to mid on.

Fuller than the previous ball, a bit wide too, Gaikwad leans into the drive nicely but picks out the cover fielder.

On a length, shaping back in, Gaikwad reaches out for the drive but the ball comes back in and one hand comes off the bat handle for Ruturaj. He miscues it down the strip.

That was an absolute beauty from Burger to flatten the off pole. Two overs in, and the conditions have favored the bowlers so far. Ayush Mhatre walks in at number 3. Archer will continue, with a slip placed in.

OUT! TIMBER! The off stump has been uprooted, and Nandre Burger is thrilled to bits. Sanju Samson's first outing with the bat in the yellow of CSK is a short one. Burger hurls it on a good length. This lands around the middle stump and moves away from the right-hander off the seam. Sanju's feet go nowhere and he has a swipe across the line. The ball leaves him to beat him on the outside edge and clatters into the off pole.

Just outside the off stump, on a length, Gaikwad lunges and defends it late with a straight bat. The ball rolls behind off the face of the bat and Samson calls him through for a quick single.

Wide! Nandre tries to pitch it up but loses his radar. Sprays it down leg, Ruturaj has a swing at it but misses.

This nips back in, on a good length, on middle and leg. Ruturaj hangs back to deal with it. Squeezes out an inside edge onto the pads.

FOUR LEG BYES! Too straight from Burger, on a short of a length, at the hips. Gaikwad looks to help it away but fails to lay any bat on it. The ball clips his thigh pad and beats the diving Dhruv Jurel to his left before racing away.

On the fuller side, moving away in the air. A confident stride forward by the CSK skipper to block it out.

Across off, on a good length, Samson dabs it down with soft hands beside the strip on the off side and turns the strike over.

A good bit of movement for Archer in that first over. Express pace from the other end as well. Here's Nandre Burger into the attack. A short or a catching mid off in the form of Jaiswal to begin with.

Tailing back in, on a good length. Sanju glances it down to deep fine leg for a run.

EDGED, FOUR! Fortuitous boundary for Samson. Archer keeps it full, outside off. No feet movement from Samson once again and he is sucked into the drive. Plays it well away from his body. The ball catches an outside edge and goes past the man at a fine short third to his left. There was no one at slip but even if there was one, it was well wide.

A play and a miss! Archer pitches it up in the channel. Sanju just pushes at it with his hands with minimal foot movement. Gets beaten on the outside edge.

In and around the off stump, on a back of a length. Gaikwad presses half-forward and tries to adjust to the steep bounce. Fends it down with a closed bat face toward square leg. The CSK skipper is off the mark with a single.

Leg bye! Sliding onto the pads, on a length. Samson misses out on the tickle. The ball drops off the pads on the leg side and the Chennai Super Kings get underway with a leg bye.

A bit of swing for Archer first up. With a catching mid on in place, Archer steams in from over the wicket and lands it full, outside off. Sanju does not move his feet much and just pushes away from his body. The ball swings back in to catch the inner half of the blade and it dribbles to mid on.

From high scoring clashes in the south and west, and now all the way to the beautiful northeastern part of the country, IPL 2026 is here in Guwahati. We are all in readiness for action to get underway in the battle between pink and yellow. The two umpires make their way out to the middle. Riyan Parag leads his troops out to the middle as the Royals spread across the park to take their fielding spots. And now then, the new opening pair for CSK, in the form of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson, walk out to the crease. Jofra Archer, as usual, will bowl the opening over of the game. So it's Samson vs Archer to kick things off. Let's play!

Impact subs nominated by CSK - Sarfaraz Khan, Prashant Veer, Rahul Chahar, Gurjapneet Singh and Ramakrishna Ghosh.

Chennai Super Kings (Playing XI) - Sanju Samson (WK), Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Ayush Mhatre, Matthew Short, Shivam Dube, Kartik Sharma, Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, Matt Henry, Anshul Kamboj and Khaleel Ahmed.

Impact subs nominated by RR - Donovan Ferreira, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Ravi Singh, Sushant Mishra and Tushar Deshpande.

Rajasthan Royals (Playing XI) - Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Riyan Parag (C), Shimron Hetmyer, Ravindra Jadeja, Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger, Sandeep Sharma, Ravi Bishnoi and Brijesh Sharma.

We would have bowled first as well - The skipper of the Chennai Super Kings, Ruturaj Gaikwad says that they would have liked to bowl first, considering the wicket had been under covers and with the overcast conditions around. He adds that the focus now is to start well with the bat. Gaikwad says they reflected on how last season went and were clear about targeting the best possible options at the auction. Confirms that they are going with 7 batters. Further informs that Matthew Short, Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad and Matt Henry are their 4 overseas players for this game.

Honoured to lead the side - The skipper of Rajasthan Royals, Riyan Parag details that there's been a lot of rain, and even though it is a red soil wicket, he reckons there will be a lot of moisture. On leading the side, he says it feels a bit overwhelming and highlights that he has been with the franchise for eight years now. Adds that the support has always been incredible and shares that all his peers have been very supportive and helping as well. Details that the goal is to win the championship, obviously and stresses that they tried to get smart cricketers in the auction. Informs that Nandre Burger, Jofra Archer, Donovan Ferreira and Shimron Hetmyer are their four overseas players.

TOSS - Riyan Parag and Ruturaj Gaikwad greet each other in the middle. The team sheets have been exchanged. 'Tails' is the call from Gaikwad, but the coin lands in favour of Parag. Rajasthan Royals opt to BOWL first.

PITCH REPORT - Deep Dasgupta runs us through the dimensions with the square boundaries measuring 70 metres and 61 metres, and the straight hit being 64 metres. He adds that this is the same red-soil surface that hosted the India vs South Africa Test last year. Daren Ganga mentions that with the covers having been on, there is likely to be some moisture on the surface and across the outfield. He expects a bit more pace and bounce due to the red-soil pitch, and notes that the grass has a brownish tinge but is evenly spread across the surface. Ganga informs that we will have an on-time start with the toss to take place at 7.05 pm IST (1.35 pm GMT).

Matt Henry shares his thoughts - Henry says it is exciting to get started, with the group really looking forward to the season. He adds that the passion and atmosphere around the IPL is exactly what you want as a player. Highlights the importance of making an impact with the ball early on. Matt admits that the last couple of years have been challenging for the team, but overall, in the history of the league, it has been a successful franchise and a great one to be a part of. About MS Dhoni's calf strain injury, he calls it a huge loss with the way MS has gone about with his power game and the way he manages to keep himself calm when the team is under pressure. Mentions that having him is crucial, and since it is a long season, he is hopeful that MS recovers pretty soon. On Sanju Samson's inclusion, Henry says he has been fantastic in the last few years and is in great form as well. Calls him a calm character and says it is great to have him in the side.

6.40 pm IST (1.10 pm GMT) - The rain has subsided, and the covers are being removed. It brings a cheer from the Guwahati crowd. The players have made their way out for the warm-up drills. Let's hope there is no more rain and we get an on-time start.

Dale Steyn with an update from the venue - Steyn shares that it was pelting down a while ago, but the intensity has reduced now. He also adds that, according to the radar, another shower is expected around 8 pm IST (2.30 pm GMT). The covers are on, and the Super Soppers are at work.

A new era for Rajasthan - It is the start of a new chapter for the Rajasthan Royals. Ravindra Jadeja and Samson have swapped sides, and with leadership responsibilities now falling on Riyan Parag, it signals a bold move towards a younger core. How he adapts to the added responsibility, while continuing to contribute with the bat, will be key to Rajasthan's prospects.

Disrupted build-up for Chennai - For the Chennai Super Kings, the build-up has been far from ideal, with injuries disrupting their plans. It began with Nathan Ellis being ruled out of the season, followed by MS Dhoni being sidelined for a couple of weeks, and now Dewald Brevis has been added to the list after a side strain ruled him out of this fixture. While all are significant absences, Ellis' unavailability leaves a particularly big void, raising questions around who will handle the death overs for CSK.

Early test for new-look units - Hello and welcome to this clash between Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings, as two sides in transition look to find their footing early in the season. First things first, though, rain threatens to play spoilsport tonight, but the good news is that it has eased off after a spell about half an hour ago.

... MATCH DAY ...

The road to revival begins - The 2026 season of the Indian Premier League makes its first visit to Guwahati, as Rajasthan Royals take on Chennai Super Kings at the ACA Stadium. After underwhelming campaigns last season, with the Royals finishing 9th and the Super Kings ending at the bottom in 10th, both sides come into this contest eager to reset. Two teams that were particularly active in the trade window, even striking deals with each other, will be hoping those moves help reshape their fortunes this season. Guwahati continues to serve as the alternate home venue for the Rajasthan Royals, and this season, they will play their first three home fixtures here before shifting base to Jaipur for the remainder of their home games. Life at RR without Sanju Samson - A big question surrounding the Royals this season is how will life be without Samson? The long-time talisman and the franchise's leading run scorer moves on, leaving behind not just a significant weight of runs but also leadership and stability. Stepping into that role is Riyan Parag. While he led the side for a few games in Samson's absence last season, this marks his first stint as the full-time captain. It is a significant moment for him, beginning the campaign at his home ground, with the added responsibility of leading from the front both as a batter and as a leader. There is also a notable shift in the coaching setup. Following the exit of Rahul Dravid, Kumar Sangakkara takes on a more hands-on role as head coach, having been closely associated with the franchise since 2021 as Director of Cricket. Indian core in focus - Rajasthan's batting continues to revolve around a strong Indian core. Yashasvi Jaiswal remains the cornerstone at the top, alongside Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who will be keen to avoid the dip often associated with a breakout season. Dhruv Jurel provides stability in the middle order, while Parag himself adds both solidity and flair. Overseas pieces in the puzzle - Shimron Hetmyer comes into the season on the back of a strong T20 World Cup campaign, where he impressed in his new role at number 3. Whether RR choose to continue with him in that position or revert to his familiar role in the middle order will be an interesting call. Another exciting prospect is Lhuan-dre Pretorius, the young South African opener. However, with Jaiswal and Sooryavanshi likely to be the first-choice opening pair, opportunities for him could be limited unless there is a reshuffle in the batting order. Balance through all-rounders - The all-rounders add significant depth and balance to this Rajasthan setup. Ravindra Jadeja's return to the franchise, where he was part of their inaugural season success, is a major boost. The trade window saw a major reshuffle, with Sanju Samson moving to Chennai Super Kings, while Jadeja and Sam Curran were brought in. However, Curran being ruled out of the season due to injury is a setback. In his place, Dasun Shanaka has been drafted in, offering a reliable like-for-like replacement with his ability to contribute with both bat and ball. Donovan Ferreira is another multi-dimensional player as he can impact the game with the bat, chip in with the ball, and even take on wicketkeeping duties if required. Pace battery loaded with options - The 2008 champions have opted for a pace-heavy attack this season, giving Riyan Parag a wide range of options to work with. The overseas contingent features Jofra Archer and Adam Milne, both capable of generating express pace, while the South African duo of Kwena Maphaka and Nandre Burger add a left-arm angle and further variety to the attack. Among the Indian seamers, Sandeep Sharma, Tushar Deshpande, and Yudhvir Singh continue from last season, providing familiarity and experience. Spin trio with local flavour - The spin department is equally intriguing, built around a trio of wrist spinners. Ravi Bishnoi, released by Lucknow Super Giants ahead of the auction, leads the attack with his ability to control the middle overs while also being a consistent wicket-taker. Yash Punja, a tall leg-spinner, will be one of the players to watch this season, while Vignesh Puthur, the left-arm wrist spinner who was part of the Mumbai Indians last year, has found a new home with the Royals. From title to turmoil - After being crowned champions in 2023, the Chennai Super Kings have endured a dip over the past couple of seasons. They will be keen to turn things around and rediscover their winning formula. Stephen Fleming continues to lead the side as head coach, with Ruturaj Gaikwad at the helm as captain. After missing a significant portion of last season due to injury, Gaikwad will be hoping for an injury-free campaign where he can lead from the front. MS Dhoni, as always, remains a guiding presence within the setup. However, the team will miss his services for the first couple of weeks as he continues his rehabilitation from a calf strain. New opening pair - With Gaikwad confirming in the lead-up to the tournament that Sanju Samson will partner him at the top, the spotlight will firmly be on this new opening combination. Samson comes into the season on the back of a sensational T20 World Cup campaign, where he was named Player of the Tournament. Youth meets experience - Beyond the experienced names, CSK's batting lineup is infused with youthful energy. Dewald Brevis and Ayush Mhatre bring flair and aggression, while recruit Kartik Sharma, a wicketkeeper batter from Rajasthan, has already made a name for himself with his six-hitting ability. CSK's investment of INR 14.20 crore reflects the faith they have in his potential. Urvil Patel has shown glimpses of his ability in limited opportunities, and Sarfaraz Khan’s talent remains undeniable. All-round strength - CSK boast a strong group of hard hitters who can contribute with both bat and ball, led by Shivam Dube. The uncapped duo of Ramkrishna Ghosh and Prashant Veer have also made a strong impression in domestic cricket, with Veer drawing attention for his INR 14.20 crore price tag. Overseas mix and bowling options - The overseas unit has been dealt a blow with Nathan Ellis ruled out of the season due to a hamstring injury. His replacement, Spencer Johnson, is also recovering from a back injury and is expected to join the squad only around April 21 to 23. Other overseas options include Matthew Short and Jamie Overton, who add all-round value. The Kiwi duo of Matt Henry and Zakary Foulkes make up the overseas pace attack. When it comes to the Indian contingent, Khaleel Ahmed and Mukesh Choudhary provide left-arm variety, while Anshul Kamboj offers a right-arm option. Noor Ahmad, who enjoyed an impressive IPL 2025 season as the second-highest wicket-taker, will once again be central to their spin plans. He will be supported by Akeal Hosein, with Shreyas Gopal and Rahul Chahar strengthening the Indian spin department. Team form (Last 5 completed games, recent first) - RR - WLLLW | CSK - WLWLL. Numbers to note - Rajasthan Royals have had mixed returns at their second home in Guwahati, with two wins in five completed games at the venue. There is very little to separate the two sides overall. Chennai Super Kings hold a slight edge with 16 wins, while Rajasthan Royals have won 15 of the 31 meetings. However, recent history tells a different story. RR have had the upper hand, winning 6 of the last 7 encounters against the men in yellow. Guwahati has not been a high-scoring venue in the IPL so far. In five matches played here, the 200 mark is yet to be breached, with the average first innings score being 160. That suggests totals around that mark can be competitive, and bowlers are very much in the game.