The finalists of the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) - Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) - will renew their rivalry when they meet at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Monday, March 30.
Both teams were involved in one of the biggest trades in IPL history. Sanju Samson shifted to CSK after spending 11 seasons at RR. Meanwhile, Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran moved to the Pink City. The Royals and Super Kings both had abysmal outings in IPL 2025. While Rajasthan finished ninth on the points table, CSK ended last.
The Men in Yellow will be without their talismanic wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni, as he will miss the first two weeks of the IPL due to a calf strain. However, skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad will make his return after missing a major portion of last season's IPL due to injury.
On the other hand, the Royals will enter a new era with Riyan Parag being named the full-time captain. He has been with the team long enough and has also had the chance to lead them in a few games last season. The youngster will look to lead his team from the front against a strong CSK side.
Barsapara Cricket Stadium: Pitch Report
The Barsapara Cricket Stadium is known to produce high-scoring encounters. The pitches are mostly flat, with not much movement or turn on offer. Bowlers will have to be excellent with their execution to come out unscathed. The average runs in an over in the IPL at this venue is 8.56.
IPL Stats and Records at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati