Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will face off in match No. 11 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Sunday, March 30.
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Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings: Preview
This clash features two teams that have stumbled early in IPL 2025.
Less than 48 hours after their unbeaten run against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the MA Chidambaram Stadium was snapped, Chennai Super Kings will be back in action—this time in Guwahati. Given how the pitch played out at this venue on Wednesday, the spin-friendly conditions might provide them with a more familiar setting than the surface they encountered in Chennai’s humid conditions on Friday.
Adding to CSK’s advantage, they face a struggling Rajasthan Royals side whose bowlers were dismantled by Sunrisers Hyderabad and whose batters faltered against Kolkata Knight Riders. Heading into the second match of Sunday’s double-header, RR remains one of just two teams yet to register a win this season.
In Guwahati, the pitch offered significant turn and variable bounce, particularly in the first innings. RR’s stand-in captain Riyan Parag admitted to attacking too early but also demonstrated his deep understanding of the home surface, knowing exactly when to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
However, home familiarity hasn’t worked in RR’s favor—over the last three seasons, they have won just one of their five matches at this venue. If Parag can rediscover his best form, his leadership with the bat could be crucial in turning things around.
While CSK’s situation appears shaky, they at least have points on the board—unlike Rajasthan Royals, who have suffered consecutive losses. Yashasvi Jaiswal is yet to find his rhythm, stand-in skipper Riyan Parag has been handed the No. 3 role, and questions remain over Shimron Hetmyer’s batting position—is he coming in too late?
RR’s depth in batting is another concern. They lack an overseas backup batter, and their Indian alternatives—14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Kunal Singh Rathore—are inexperienced. Their decision to play a batter short while opting to bat first, despite the Impact Player rule, also raises eyebrows.
RR’s Wanindu Hasaranga leads all bowlers in T20s since 2024 with 90 wickets. Since 2023, Rajasthan Royals have played five matches in Guwahati, recording one win, three losses, and one no result.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) suffered their heaviest home defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Friday night, sparking concerns over their team composition. Should Ruturaj Gaikwad open with Devon Conway instead of batting at No. 3, pushing Rachin Ravindra down the order? Is No. 6 the ideal spot for Shivam Dube, who thrived as a spin-hitter during their 2023 title run? And why did MS Dhoni come in as late as No. 9 against RCB?
CSK, meanwhile, have a different concern—their struggles while chasing. They have lost their last eight matches when asked to chase a target above 175, despite winning the toss in six of those games. Their strength lies in a solid bowling attack that could thrive if the pitch continues to favor slower bowlers. However, if RR manages to post a big total, they could put CSK’s batting lineup under serious pressure. CSK have not successfully chased a target of 175 or more in the IPL since 2021.
Seamer Tushar Deshpande, who rose from a net bowler to one of Dhoni’s most reliable options, is now representing RR. Meanwhile, Shivam Dube, a former RR player, has become a key figure in CSK’s batting lineup. Adding to the crossover, Maheesh Theekshana, CSK’s go-to powerplay specialist, is now fulfilling the same role for RR.
Will Gaikwad move back to his usual opening spot for CSK? Regardless, he has walked in to bat as early as the second over in both matches so far. Khaleel Ahmed has been CSK’s most effective powerplay bowler in the IPL since 2024, picking up 11 wickets. MS Dhoni is now CSK’s all-time leading run-scorer, surpassing Suresh Raina’s 4,687-run tally with his 30 off 16 balls against RCB.
Ravindra Jadeja is yet to take a wicket in IPL 2025 after two matches. CSK’s Deepak Hooda has scored in single digits in 13 of his 23 IPL innings since 2023.
Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings: Head-to-head
RR 13 – 16 CSK. However, since 2020, RR have dominated this matchup, winning six of the last eight encounters.
- Matches Played: 29
- Rajasthan Royals Wins: 13
- Chennai Super Kings Wins: 16
- Tied: 0
- No Result: 1
- First-ever Fixture: May 4, 2008
- Most-recent Fixture: May 12, 2024
Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings: Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
The pitch offered significant turn for spinners and had some grip, making run-scoring challenging. However, batters who settle in, particularly in the second innings, can capitalize.
Three nights ago in Guwahati, Moeen Ali stepped up for KKR in Sunil Narine’s absence, while Varun Chakravarthy found success by bowling slower. Given these conditions, CSK might feel more at home here than at Chepauk, where coach Stephen Fleming believes they haven’t had any real advantage.
Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings: Team News and Predicted XI
Rajasthan Royals – Team News
Sanju Samson is likely to be RR’s Impact Player for a bowling option. With KKR’s spinners dominating the previous game in Guwahati, RR might consider bringing in Kumar Kartikeya. Samson is expected to stay away from wicketkeeping and captaincy duties, and no other injuries or unavailabilities have been reported.
Jofra Archer and Tushar Deshpande will likely target Rahul Tripathi and Deepak Hooda, both of whom struggled against short-pitched deliveries against RCB. Tripathi was also dismissed by Deepak Chahar in CSK’s opening game. Even during their strong run in 2022, they had difficulties handling short balls—Hooda averages 17.1 against them, while Tripathi averages 15.14.
Rajasthan Royals – Predicted XI
- Sanju Samson
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Riyan Parag (capt)
- Nitish Rana
- Dhruv Jurel (wk)
- Shimron Hetmyer
- Shubham Dubey
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Jofra Archer
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Sandeep Sharma
- Kumar Kartikeya/Tushar Deshpande
Chennai Super Kings – Team News
CSK typically avoid frequent changes, but there’s a case for bringing in Devon Conway for Sam Curran. This move could also allow them to include Vijay Shankar as a batting all-rounder or Anshul Kamboj as a bowling all-rounder, with Impact Sub Rahul Tripathi playing as a floater. There are no selection concerns for Ruturaj Gaikwad’s side in this regard.
Interestingly, R Ashwin has a strong record against Sanju Samson, both in restricting his scoring and dismissing him. However, Nitish Rana has dominated Ashwin in the IPL, scoring at a strike rate of over 186 without ever being dismissed in their 58-ball matchup.
Chennai Super Kings – Predicted XI
- Rachin Ravindra
- Devon Conway
- Ruturaj Gaikwad (capt)
- Rahul Tripathi/Vijay Shankar
- Shivam Dube
- Ravindra Jadeja
- MS Dhoni (wk)
- Anshul Kamboj
- R Ashwin
- Noor Ahmad
- Khaleel Ahmed
- Matheesha Pathirana
Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings: Players To Watch Out For
Riyan Parag (Rajasthan Royals)
Riyan Parag’s first stint as an IPL captain—albeit in a stand-in role—has started on a tough note. Along with leadership duties, he now has the added responsibility of being a pace-setter at No. 3, a shift from No. 4, where he excelled last season.
With scores of 4 and 25 in his first two matches, he will be eager to deliver, especially with the opportunity to perform in front of his home crowd.
Rahul Tripathi (Chennai Super Kings)
Rahul Tripathi rose to prominence in the IPL as an opener, playing a crucial role in Rising Pune Supergiant’s run to the 2017 final. Since then, he has moved across multiple teams—KKR, RR, SRH, and now CSK—but has struggled to find the stability he desires.
With two single-digit scores to start the new season, he finds himself under pressure. However, given CSK’s reluctance to frequently alter their playing XI, he has another opportunity to prove his worth.
Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings: Prediction
Scenario 1
- Toss: Rajasthan Royals win the toss and bowl
- Powerplay Score: 40-50
- Chennai Super Kings Total: 180-200
- Match Result: Rajasthan Royals win the match
Scenario 2
- Toss: Chennai Super Kings win the toss and bowl
- Powerplay Score: 50-60
- Rajasthan Royals Total: 200-220
- Match Result: Chennai Super Kings win the match
When and Where To Watch Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings LIVE? Broadcast and Streaming Details
The Indian Premier League 2025 clash between Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings is set to begin at 7:30 PM IST on Sunday, March 30, at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati. The match will be broadcast live on the Star Sports network and will also be available for live streaming on JioHotstar for FREE.
Read More: IPL 2025: DC vs SRH – Preview, Prediction, Starting XI and Where To Watch The Match LIVE
FAQs
How have Rajasthan Royals performed against Chennai Super Kings in recent years?
While CSK leads the overall head-to-head 16-13, RR have dominated since 2020 with a 6-2 record.
What are CSK’s struggles in IPL 2025 so far?
CSK have faced challenges with team balance, questionable batting orders, and a poor chasing record, having failed to chase 175+ targets since 2021.
What issues are Rajasthan Royals facing in IPL 2025?
RR are winless, struggling with batting depth, Yashasvi Jaiswal’s poor form, and an unsettled middle order, while their bowlers have been expensive.
Which key players have switched teams between CSK and RR?
Tushar Deshpande and Maheesh Theekshana moved to RR, while former RR player Shivam Dube is now a key member of CSK.
How does the Guwahati pitch impact the upcoming RR vs CSK match?
The pitch offers turn and variable bounce, favoring spinners, which could benefit CSK more than their home surface at Chepauk this season.
