IPL 2026 CSK vs RR: Rajasthan Royals (RR) delivered a commanding performance in their first IPL 2026 match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to crush the team by 8 wickets, as teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryawanshi lit up the contest with a stunning 15-ball half-century. The match, which was played at Guwahati’s Baraspara Cricket stadium on Monday, saw RR comfortably chase down a modest target of 128 posted by CSK in just 12.1 overs, at a loss of merely two wickets.

Sooryawanshi’s blitz stuns CSK

The evening’s highlight was Sooryawanshi’s explosive knock of 52 runs, which came off just 15 deliveries and included four boundaries, coupled with five towering sixes. The youngster left CSK’s bowling attack reeling with remarkable ease, making the chase look effortless. 

The teen was well-supported by Yashasvi Jaiswal, who remained unbeaten on 38 as RR sealed victory with plenty of overs to spare. 

CSK exhibit poor start

Batting first, CSK struggled from the outset and were bowled out for 127 in 19.4 overs. Their powerplay woes resurfaced, as they slumped to 41/4 early in the innings. Jamie Overton finished as the top scorer for CSK with a 43, while Anshul Kamboj chipped in with a late contribution and also picked up two wickets. 

IPL 2026 CSK vs RR: Archer, Jadeja shine with the ball

RR’s bowling unit set the tone early, as Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger exploited the helpful conditions to dismantle CSK’s top order. The duo picked up two wickets each. Ravindra Jadeja, playing against his former side, left an immediate impact with a double-wicket over, leaving CSK reeling with no chance of recovery. 

Dhoni absent due to injury

Notably, CSK were without their former captain MS Dhoni, who has been ruled out of the tournament for two weeks due to a calf strain. South Africa’s Dewald Brevis is also sidelined, and is likely to miss three IPL matches. Under Ruturaj Gaikwad’s leadership, the Yellow Jerseys failed to find momentum, with both Gaikwad and Sanju Samson falling cheaply for six runs each. 

With a clinical all-round display, RR have made a splendid start to their IPL 2026 campaign, while CSK will need to address their persistent batting frailties as the tournament progresses.

Also read: IPL 2026: Kohli’s class seals statement win as RCB crush SRH in opening match