IPL 2026: Rain threat looms as RR face CSK in Guwahati amid election buzz

The Indian Premier League (IPL) returns to the Northeast as inaugural edition champions Rajasthan Royals open their campaign against five-time title-holders Chennai Super Kings at the ACA Stadium here on Monday.

The match carries added intrigue as it offers both sides an opportunity to reset after disappointing campaigns last season, while also carrying several compelling subplots involving former teammates, shifting loyalties and the broader atmosphere in the poll-bound state.

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The game also marks another major sporting occasion for Assam, which is preparing for the upcoming Assembly elections scheduled for April 9. With political activity intensifying across the state, the IPL fixture offers a brief sporting interlude for fans in the region.

Weather could play a role in how the contest unfolds. Guwahati has experienced intermittent rainfall over the past week, and conditions on the eve of the match were overcast with a slight drizzle around the city. Forecasts indicate mainly cloudy conditions with a possibility of passing showers, raising the likelihood of moisture on the surface.

Coming to the on-field action, the spotlight will inevitably fall on Sanju Samson, who is set to face his former team after a long and defining stint with the Royals. For more than a decade, Samson was synonymous with the Royals, their batting pillar, captain and all-time leading run-scorer, guiding them to the IPL final in 2022. Now turning out for CSK, the Kerala wicketkeeper-batter brings both experience and form to his new side.

Samson arrives in Guwahati on the back of a strong international run, having played a decisive role in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup success for India with a series of match-winning knocks in high-pressure games, including the final against New Zealand. At CSK, he is expected to open the batting alongside skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, forming the leadership core of the side.

Dhoni absence adds pressure on CSK core

Chennai will, however, be without their iconic leader MS Dhoni, who is sidelined for at least two weeks due to a calf strain and has not travelled with the squad. His absence places greater responsibility on Samson and Gaikwad to guide the team both tactically and with the bat.

It could also open opportunities for younger players, including promising left-arm spin all-rounder Prashant Veer and uncapped power-hitter Kartik Sharma, one of the franchise’s high-profile domestic recruits known for his aggressive batting in the middle order.

With players such as Dewald Brevis showing growing maturity, Shivam Dube developing into a dependable middle-order presence and youngster Ayush Mhatre progressing rapidly, CSK appear to be gradually reshaping their squad. Their bowling unit, featuring Noor Ahmad, Akeal Hosein, Matt Henry and Khaleel Ahmed, also provides variety across pace and spin.

Royals begin new chapter under Parag

For Rajasthan, Samson’s departure marks the beginning of a new era under captain Riyan Parag, who will lead the side at his home ground. The Royals have also welcomed back experienced all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, adding depth and leadership to their squad, though questions remain about his finishing role with the bat.

The Royals’ batting will largely revolve around Yashasvi Jaiswal, who now assumes greater responsibility as the senior figure in the top order. Alongside him, teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel and the explosive Shimron Hetmyer provide attacking options, particularly during the powerplay where Rajasthan were among the most aggressive teams last season.

Bowling questions linger

Despite the addition of a few names following a disappointing 2025 campaign, Rajasthan’s bowling attack remains an area of concern. The pace unit led by Jofra Archer will need to deliver consistent performances, while the spin department will depend heavily on Jadeja and Ravi Bishnoi to control the middle overs.

Both sides are eager for a fresh start after underwhelming campaigns last season, with Chennai finishing at the bottom of the table and Rajasthan only marginally better in ninth place.

Historically, the rivalry has been evenly contested. In 31 IPL meetings between the two teams, Chennai have won 16 matches while Rajasthan have emerged victorious 15 times, setting the stage for another closely fought contest in Guwahati.

Squad:

Rajasthan Royals: Riyan Parag (captain), Dhruv Jurel, Donovan Ferreira, Lhuan-Dre Pretorius, Ravi Singh, Aman Perala, Shimron Hetmyer, Shubham Dubey, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, 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 (captain), 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, Gurjapneet Singh and Mukesh Choudhary.