IPL 2026: RR vs CSK - The Clash of The Royals without Thala

IPL 2026: RR vs CSK - Match Preview

Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings (get your jersey now), finished at the bottom of the table in IPL 2025, head into IPL 2026 with significantly revamped squads. Riyan Parag steps in as RR’s new captain, while Ruturaj Gaikwad returns to lead CSK after his 2025 campaign was cut short by injury. Meanwhile, MS Dhoni is expected to miss the first couple of weeks of the season due to a calf issue. CSK also face an early setback with Dewald Brevis unavailable for their opening game, as confirmed by head coach Stephen Fleming.

RR have parted ways with Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, while CSK have released Rahul Tripathi, Vijay Shankar, and Deepak Hooda. Last season, RR’s balance was affected by playing two overseas spinners, but they have addressed that by bringing in Jadeja and picking up Ravi Bishnoi at the auction. Additionally, their pace attack looks formidable with the likes of Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger, and Adam Milne. Sam Curran who was traded in has already been ruled out for the entire season.

RR vs CSK: Key Players

Rajasthan Royals (RR)

• Yashasvi Jaiswal & Shimron Hetmyer: These two form the core of the Rajasthan batting lineup. Jaiswal has been the main man for the Royals and has scored 559, 435 and 625 runs in 2025, 2024 and 2023 respectively. Shimron Hetmyer had a stellar T20 World Cup amassing 248 runs at a strike-rate of 186.46.

• Jofra Archer: He is the spearhead of the pace attack for RR. Archer didn't have the best of T20 World Cups but he's got all the ability to trouble the batters with pace.

• Ravindra Jadeja: Ravi Jadeja adds stability with both bat and ball. The all-rounder is only 15 away from getting to 4000 runs in T20s. If he gets there, Jadeja will become only the second Indian to complete the double of 4000 runs and 200 wickets in T20s.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

• Sanju Samson: A major focus will be on Samson, who is facing his former team for the first time after captaining Rajasthan for over a decade. The player of the tournament of the T20 World Cup 2026 will look to make an impact for the men in yellow. If he gets going, CSK will be able to put up a sturdy total on the board.

• Shivam Dube: The unsung hero for the men in blue in the T20 World Cup will have plenty to do for his franchise. The southpaw will take up the finishing rule and will also chip in with crucial overs.

• Matt Henry, Khaleel Ahmed, & Noor Ahmad: The CSK bowling attack hinges significantly on these three bowlers. Matt Henry adds dexterity with the new ball, Khaleel has the experience to operate in the power-play and the death overs and Noor is their bonafide magician.

RR vs CSK: Starting XIs

RR: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, Ravindra Jadeja, Donovan Ferreira/Dasun Shanaka, Jofra Archer, Sandeep Sharma, Ravi Bishnoi, Nandre Burger

Impact sub: Tushar Deshpande

CSK: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, Ayush Mhatre, Prashanth Veer, Shivam Dube, Kartik Sharma, Akeal Hosein/Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, Matt Henry, Rahul Chahar, Khaleel Ahmed

Impact sub: Gurjapneet Singh/Anshul Kamboj

Who do you think will win the RR vs CSK fixture? Which side are you rooting for? Comment and tell us and get your favourite IPL jerseys here.