RR vs CSK match predicted playing XI, pitch report, weather forecast and match prediction

Guwahati is no stranger to IPL action, but the buzz around Rajasthan Royals’ clash with Chennai Super Kings at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium has intensified this year. However, weather could play spoilsport, with intermittent rain over the past week and forecasts of showers and thunderstorms on match day raising concerns.

Both teams enter the contest seeking redemption after poor 2025 campaigns. While Chennai finished bottom for the first time, Rajasthan ended just above them, making this opener a crucial reset opportunity.

Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!

The spotlight will be on Sanju Samson, who returns to face Rajasthan for the first time after leading them for over a decade. Now with CSK, he arrives in top form following a stellar T20 World Cup.

Chennai will also look to young Ayush Mhatre and Shivam Dube for batting firepower, while their bowling hinges on Matt Henry, Khaleel Ahmed and Noor Ahmad.

For Rajasthan, new captain Riyan Parag leads a side in transition. Ravindra Jadeja, alongside Ravi Bishnoi, anchors the spin attack, while Jofra Archer spearheads the pace unit.

With Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shimron Hetmyer forming the batting core, Rajasthan will hope for greater consistency in a fresh campaign.

VENUE: Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati

TIME: 7:30 pm IST.

RR vs CSK Squads:

Rajasthan Royals: Riyan Parag (c), Dhruv Jurel, Donovan Ferreira, Lhuan-Dre Pretorius, Ravi Singh, Aman Perala, Shimron Hetmyer, Shubham Dubey, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravindra Jadeja, Dasun Shanaka, Adam Milne, Brijesh Sharma, Jofra Archer, Kuldeep Sen, Kwena Maphaka, Nandre Burger, Ravi Bishnoi and Sandeep Sharma.

Chennai Super Kings: Sanju Samson, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Ayush Mhatre, Matt Henry, Akeal Hosein, Noor Ahmad, Jamie Overton, Matthew Short, Khaleel Ahmed, Zak Foulkes, Anshul Khamboj, Nathan Ellis, Sarfaraz Khan, Rahul Chahar, Kartik Sharma, Urvil Patel, Aman Khan, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Prashant Veer, Shreyas Gopal, Spencer Johnson, Gurjapneet Singh and Mukesh Choudhary.

Rajasthan Royals: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Riyan Parag (c), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Ravindra Jadeja, Donnovan Ferreira, Jofra Archer, Ravi Bishnoi, Tushar Deshpande, Sandeep Sharma,

Impact Sub: Nandre Burger/Adam Milne

Chennai Super Kings: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Sanju Samson (wk), Ayush Mhatre, Matt Short, Shivam Dube, Kartik Sharma, Prashant Veer, Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, Matt Henry, Khaleel Ahmed,

Impact Sub: Anshul Kamboj/Gurjapneet Singh

RR vs CSK Last Seven Matches

A fresh surface is expected to be used for Monday’s clash, though steady rain on the eve of the match meant it remained under covers for most of the build-up. There is a forecast of showers in the afternoon, but conditions are likely to improve by evening, keeping hopes alive for a full contest. Preparations have already taken a hit, with Rajasthan Royals’ practice session shortened due to wet weather. The early phases of the game could see some assistance for bowlers, with moisture in the pitch and outfield, before it settles down under lights and becomes more batting-friendly.

The weather is expected to stay largely cloudy through the day, with the possibility of a brief passing shower. Evening conditions could turn humid, with persistent cloud cover and a slight chance of late interruptions due to drizzle. Temperatures are likely to hover between 27°C and 19°C. Positively, the rain threat is expected to ease significantly during match time, with the probability dropping to around 20%, which should allow for smoother playing conditions as the game progresses.

Both Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings enter the contest after revamping their squads following underwhelming campaigns last season. Rajasthan will enjoy the advantage of familiar conditions in their adopted home, especially for captain and home boy Riyan Parag, who will be keen to make an impact. However, weather and pitch conditions could influence the outcome. Chennai, strengthened by the presence of Sanju Samson at the top, will look to tap into his experience at this venue. Historically, Rajasthan have dominated recent meetings, winning six of the last seven encounters. Still, with both teams entering a new phase, the contest appears evenly poised and difficult to call.