Samson vs Jadeja | IPL 2026 Match 3 CSK vs RR

The stage is set for a high-voltage clash as the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) travel to the ACA Stadium in Guwahati to take on the Rajasthan Royals (RR). With both teams looking to erase the memories of a disappointing 2025 season where they finished in the bottom two, the stakes couldn't be higher.

However, the real headline isn't just the points table, it’s the spicy "Trade War" narrative. In a move that shocked the league, Sanju Samson has traded his pink jersey for the yellow of CSK, while the legendary Ravindra Jadeja now leads the Royals' spin attack against his former "den."

Match Details

• Match: Rajasthan Royals vs. Chennai Super Kings - Match 3

• Date: March 30, 2026

• Time: 7:30 PM (IST)

• Venue: ACA Stadium, Barsapara, Guwahati

Pitch Report

The Barsapara Stadium is historically a high-scoring venue with a lightning-fast outfield. While it usually favors the batters, the evening dew in Guwahati often makes defending a total difficult. The captain winning the toss will likely elect to bowl first to take advantage of the chasing conditions.

The Rivalry: Samson vs. Jadeja

This isn't just another game, prior to the auction, RR traded their skipper, Sanju Samson with CSK in return for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran.

Sanju Samson: After a decade as the face of the Royals, Sanju now finds himself in the CSK middle order. He arrives in peak form after a stellar T20 World Cup, but he’ll have to face his old teammate on a surface where spin can bite.

Ravindra Jadeja: "Sir" Jadeja returns to the Royals' fold as a senior leader. His mission? To prove that at 37, he still has the "Chepauk-style" control to shut down a player as dangerous as Samson.

Probable Playing XI

CSK is dealing with a minor injury crisis as MS Dhoni is ruled out for the first two weeks and power-hitter Dewald Brevis is sidelined with a side strain.

Chennai Super Kings:

Ruturaj Gaikwad(C), Sanju Samson (WK), Ayush Mhatre, Matt Short, Shivam Dube, Kartik Sharma, Prashant Veer, Jamie Overton, Khaleel Ahmed, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj

Rajasthan Royals:

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Riyan Parag (C), Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Dasun Shanaka, Jofra Archer, Sandeep Sharma, Ravi Bishnoi, Adam Milne

Top Fantasy Picks

Top Wicketkeeper Picks:

Sanju Samson (All eyes are on him against his former side).

Top Batter Picks:

Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag (Playing at his home ground), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

Top Bowler Picks:

Noor Ahmad, Ravi Bishnoi, Jofra Archer.

Top All-Rounders:

Ravindra Jadeja, Prashant Veer.

Must Picks:

• Sanju Samson (The narrative alone makes him a lock)

• Ravindra Jadeja (Point to prove against his old franchise)

• Yashasvi Jaiswal (Explosive at the top)

Winning Team Prediction

While CSK has the tactical edge under Gaikwad, the Rajasthan Royals look more balanced following the late addition of Dasun Shanaka and the local advantage for Riyan Parag. With CSK missing Dhoni’s finishing and Brevis' power, Rajasthan Royals are the slight favorites to clinch this Guwahati thriller.