IPL 2026 Update: Dhoni out of IPL 2026; CSK to take on RR without THALA!

RR vs CSK IPL 2026 clash romises high excitement, but CSK faces a setback as MS Dhoni misses the match due to injury. Batting-friendly Guwahati pitch may deliver a high-scoring thriller between two strong teams.

Post Published By: Karan Sharma

Updated : 30 March 2026, 6:32 PM IST

CSK to Face RR Without MS Dhoni (Image Source: Internet)

New Delhi: The excitement in IPL 2026 is intensifying with each passing day, and now, on the third day of the tournament, a major showdown is set to take place between the Rajasthan Royals (RR) and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), reports Dynamite News correspondent.

This match will be played at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. The toss is scheduled for 7:00 PM, with the match commencing at 7:30 PM. Both teams are formidable, leading fans to anticipate a high-scoring and thrilling contest.

Dhoni Sits Out: A Blow for Fans

The biggest news for Chennai Super Kings fans is that MS Dhoni will not be playing in this match. He has been sidelined for the initial few matches due to an injury. According to reports, Dhoni could miss approximately 5 to 6 matches.

Furthermore, the team's explosive young batsman, Dewald Brevis (dubbed 'Junior AB'), will also be unavailable for the opening matches. Consequently, CSK's batting lineup may appear somewhat weakened.

Captaincy and Team Leadership

In this encounter, the captaincy for Chennai will rest in the hands of Ruturaj Gaikwad, while Riyan Parag will take charge of the Rajasthan Royals. This presents a significant opportunity for both young captains to showcase their leadership capabilities.

Pitch Report: A Paradise for Batsmen

The pitch at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati is widely regarded as highly favorable for batsmen. The ball comes onto the bat beautifully here, creating a strong possibility of high scores being posted.

The impact of dew is also typically observed during the second innings, which tends to make chasing down a target easier. Therefore, the team that wins the toss may prefer to bowl first.

Probable Playing XI

Chennai Super Kings (CSK): Sanju Samson (Wicketkeeper), Ruturaj Gaikwad (Captain), Ayush Mhatre, Urvil Patel/Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, Prashantveer, Kartik Sharma, Jamie Overton, Khaleel Ahmed, Noor Ahmad, and Matt Henry

Impact Player: Rahul Chahar/Anshul Kamboj

Rajasthan Royals (RR): Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Riyan Parag (Captain), Dhruv Jurel (Wicketkeeper), Shimron Hetmyer, Dasun Shanaka, Ravindra Jadeja, Jofra Archer, Sandeep Sharma, Ravi Bishnoi, and Adam Milne

What could be the outcome?

Both teams feature star players, but CSK might keenly feel the absence of Dhoni. On the other hand, Rajasthan appears to have a slight edge in this contest, courtesy of their balanced squad and formidable batting lineup.