RR vs CSK Playing 11 Revealed for IPL 2026: MS Dhoni OUT, Who Comes IN?

Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings are all to face each other in the third match of IPL 2026. Following the most high-profile trade exchange in league history, where RR icon Sanju Samson moved to Chennai in exchange for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran, this match is going to be a tough battle for both the players and the fans.
Statistically, Chennai holds a razor-thin lead in the CSK vs RR H2H record with 16 wins to Royals' 15. However, RR have been the dominant force recently, winning 8 of their last 10 meetings against the Men in Yellow.
As the action shifts to the ACA Stadium in Barsapara, Guwahati on 30th March 2026, the anticipation is sky-high. With a new captain, Riyan Parag, leading the home side and with the departure of Samson, the RR Playing 11 vs CSK Playing 11 will be something to watch out for.

Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings Playing 11 (Probable)

The RR vs CSK IPL 2026 match marks the beginning of a new era for both these teams. Rajasthan Royals will enter this season under the full-time captaincy of local hero Riyan Parag. It will be quite interesting to see Vaibhav Suryavanshi take on Chennai's bowlers as the youngster has grown a lot from the last IPL season.

Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings will be led by the talented Ruturaj Gaikwad, who is all set to take the legacy of being one of the best teams in IPL forward. However, the big news is the absence of MS Dhoni, who is ruled out for the first few weeks due to a calf strain. Also, the unavailability of Dewald Brevis and Nathan Ellis adds more selection drama for them.

RR Playing 11 Today Against CSK (Probable)

The RR Playing 11 against CSK looks lethal with a blend of young faces and experienced cricketers who have donw well over the years. The return of Ravindra Jadeja, one of the best all-rounders in IPL, to his former team adds immense balance to the middle order and the spin department. Yashasvi Jaiswal will continue to lead the charge at the top, supported by 15-year-old sensation Suryavanshi.

The bowling attack is bolstered by the presence of Jofra Archer and the spin wizardry of Ravi Bishnoi. Despite missing Sam Curran, RR’s depth in foreign recruits like Donovan Ferreira or Dasun Shanaka ensure that they remain a formidable side at their second home in Guwahati.

Left-arm pacer Nandre Burger is likely to be used as the Impact Player for the Rajasthan Royals. If RR bats first, they may swap a specialist batter for the South African speedster to provide extra advantage on the RR Playing 11.

CSK Playing 11 Today Against RR (Probable)

Five-time champions Chennai Super Kings enter the 2026 season with massive space to fill. Sanju Samson, facing his former side in his very first game for CSK, will take over the wicketkeeping duties and open the innings alongside skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad. The team is also strong in their middle order with the clean hitting of Shivam Dube, who is in good form. Anshul Kamboj is expected to be the Impact Player for CSK Playing 11.

Akeal Hosein to Replace Dewald Brevis

The inclusion of Akeal Hosein in the CSK playing 11 against RR looks like a possibility now that Brevis is unavailable. It provides them a tactical edge in the powerplay and the middle overs. The West Indian left-arm spinner is expected to be the primary spin option alongside Noor Ahmad, especially in the absence of veteran spinners.

Conclusion

Rajasthan Royals hold a tactical advantage due to their superior spin balance and home advantage in Guwahati conditions. On the other hand, Chennai Super Kings face a steep uphill battle as they integrate a revamped middle order in the absence of MS Dhoni and Brevis's finishing masterclass.

The constant injury concerns might hurt CSK as they face lack of a death bowling option. However, the RR vs CSK IPL 2026 match promises to be a thrilling one with some of the world-class players on both sides.