The Indian Premier League 2026 season bursts into life with a marquee clash in Match 3 as Rajasthan Royals host Chennai Super Kings at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati on Monday evening.
Scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM IST, this contest pits two storied franchises against each other in what promises to be a fascinating blend of youthful firepower and seasoned experience.
RR, under new captain Riyan Parag, will look to stamp their authority at home, while CSK aim to start strong despite off-season transitions. With a packed crowd expected and the season opener setting the tone, anticipation is sky-high for this high-voltage T20 showdown.
Chennai Super Kings, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, have undergone significant changes. Sanju Samson, acquired from RR, is
expected to handle wicketkeeping duties and open the batting alongside Ayush Mhatre, with Gaikwad at No. 3. Key contributors include Shivam Dube, Dewald Brevis, Prashant Veer, and overseas pacers like Jamie Overton and Khaleel Ahmed. The spin options feature Noor Ahmad and Rahul Chahar. However, CSK's preparations have been clouded by a major absence in their ranks.
MS Dhoni Injury Update
In a significant setback for the five-time champions, MS Dhoni has been sidelined with a calf strain. The 44-year-old legend, who remains CSK's talisman and emotional anchor, is currently undergoing supervised rehabilitation.
Chennai Super Kings issued an official statement confirming that Dhoni is "likely to miss the first two weeks of TATA IPL 2026. " This rules him out of not just tonight's opener but also the subsequent fixtures against Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Delhi Capitals. The injury, sustained during pre-season training, has forced the franchise to lean on their squad depth early in the campaign.
MS Dhoni Comeback Date Revealed?
Will MS Dhoni Play Today in RR vs CSK Clash?
Given the clear timeline outlined by CSK and the ongoing rehabilitation process, MS Dhoni will not feature in today's RR vs CSK match. The calf strain requires careful management to avoid any long-term risk, especially at this stage of his illustrious career. While fans will miss his trademark finishing and glovework, Sanju Samson is primed to step up behind the stumps.
Dhoni's absence adds an extra layer of intrigue to the contest, but CSK remain confident in their revamped side. All eyes will now be on how the Yellow Army adapts without their iconic leader as the IPL 2026 season unfolds.
