IPL Preview: Rajasthan Royals reset, Chennai Super Kings revived

Guwahati: with rajasthan royals Having hosted several Indian Premier League matches in their adopted hometown Guwahati over the past few seasons, top-level cricket is nothing new for the Assam capital. But this year, with an extra match scheduled at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium amid the buzz of the April 9 state assembly elections, the excitement has gone up several notches.As fans prepare for Monday’s match between Royals and Super Kings, the weather remains the only concern. There has been intermittent drizzle over the past week, with rain and thunderstorms expected on match day, potentially disrupting proceedings.On the field, both teams are desperate for a fresh start after a disappointing IPL 2025 campaign. chennai super kings For the first time in history, they are at the bottom of the table, with Rajasthan Royals just above them.

Samson exchanges pink for yellowSanju Samson will be the biggest highlight as he arrives in Guwahati after winning the T20 World Cup with India. The Kerala wicketkeeper-batsman will now represent the Chennai Super Kings against the Rajasthan Royals – a team he has represented and led for over a decade.Young India U19 World Cup-winning captain Ayush Mhatre adds firepower to CSK’s top line-up, while Shivam Dube will look to carry his T20 form from the IPL World Cup into the IPL and add strength to the midfield. Matt Henry, Khaleel Ahmed and Noor Ahmad form the bowling core.Ryanparag He begins his first full season as captain of Rajasthan Royals after briefly assuming leadership duties during Samson’s injury absence last year. The Assam all-rounder is now tasked with leading the team in its search for a new identity.Ravindra JadejaHe will wear pink this season as part of the Samson swap deal and spearhead the spin attack alongside Ravi Bishnoi, while Jofra Archer leads the pace unit. With Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Shimron Hetmyer and Dhruv Jurel forming the batting core, the Royals are hoping for a more consistent performance.numbers game6 – Rajasthan Royals have won six of their last seven matches against Chennai Super Kings between October 2021 and May 2025. Their only defeat was by five wickets at Chebauk on May 12, 2024.