Rajasthan Royals produced a dominant batting display to defeat Chennai Super Kings, chasing down 128 in just 12.1 overs to seal a comprehensive win and give their net run rate a major boost in the IPL 2026 opener at Guwahati.
The chase was effectively decided inside the powerplay, where RR’s openers launched a relentless assault to take the game completely away from CSK.
Teen sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi stole the spotlight with a breathtaking debut innings, racing to a half-century in just 15 balls. The 15-year-old struck 5 fours and 5 sixes in a fearless display, dismantling the CSK attack with clean hitting and remarkable intent. He raced to 52 off 18 balls before being caught at long-on off Jamie Overton in the fifth over.
IPL 2026 | #CSKvRR | Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaiswal stitched together a powerful opening partnership to guide #RajasthanRoyals to an 8-wicket win over #ChennaiSuperKings, chasing down the target of 127 in just 12.1 overs at Barsapara Stadium in Assam. @IPL |… pic.twitter.com/NAZUbWFz7x
— The Statesman (@TheStatesmanLtd) March 30, 2026
By the end of the powerplay, Rajasthan had surged to a staggering 78/1, effectively shutting the door on any CSK comeback.
After the early fireworks, Yashasvi Jaiswal anchored the chase with composure, rotating strike efficiently while picking up boundaries at regular intervals to remain unbeaten on 38 off 36 balls.
Captain Riyan Parag contributed 14 before being trapped LBW by Matheesha Pathirana, who was one of the few bright spots for CSK with a sharp yorker. Shimron Hetmyer then finished the chase in style, striking a quick 18 off 9 balls* with a couple of crisp boundaries as Rajasthan completed the chase in just 12.1 overs at 130/2, sealing a dominant win.
Earlier in the match, Chennai Super Kings suffered a dramatic batting collapse after being put in to bat, eventually being bowled out for 127 in 19.4 overs.
Their innings never recovered from a disastrous powerplay where they slipped to 41/4. Sanju Samson, playing against his former franchise on CSK debut, fell for 6 off 7 balls to Nandre Burger, while captain Ruturaj Gaikwad was dismissed for 6 by Jofra Archer. Ayush Mhatre (0) and Matthew Short (2) also fell cheaply as Rajasthan’s new-ball attack extracted consistent movement and pressure.
The middle order offered little resistance as Ravindra Jadeja struck twice in a single over, removing Sarfaraz Khan and Shivam Dube to further derail CSK’s innings. Despite a brief counter from Sarfaraz, who made 17 as an impact substitute, CSK continued to lose wickets at regular intervals and were reduced to 57/6 by the eighth over.
Jamie Overton provided the lone fightback with a resilient 43 off 36 balls, striking two sixes and two boundaries to push CSK past the 100-run mark. However, his innings ended in the final over after being run out in a sharp relay involving Shimron Hetmyer and Dhruv Jurel, as CSK were eventually dismissed for 127.
Rajasthan’s bowlers maintained complete control throughout the innings. Jofra Archer led the attack with 2 for 19, Ravindra Jadeja picked up 2 for 18, and Nandre Burger also claimed 2 for 26. Ravi Bishnoi and Brijesh Sharma chipped in with crucial wickets, ensuring CSK never recovered after the early collapse.
RR vs CSK IPL 2026: Playing XIs
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
Riyan Parag (C), Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Shimron Hetmyer, Ravindra Jadeja, Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger, Sandeep Sharma, Ravi Bishnoi, Brijesh Sharma
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Sanju Samson (WK), Ayush Mhatre, Matthew Short, Shivam Dube, Kartik Sharma, Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, Matt Henry, Anshul Kamboj, Khaleel Ahmed