CSK Stumble in Opener, RR Cruise to Eight-Wicket Win

• By Thetripurapost Desk, Guwahati
• Mar 30, 2026
• 226

The Chennai Super Kings began their IPL campaign on a disappointing note, succumbing to a dominant eight-wicket defeat against the Rajasthan Royals at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati.

After electing to bowl first, Rajasthan delivered a disciplined bowling performance to bundle out Chennai for a modest 127 in 19.4 overs. In reply, RR chased down the target with clinical efficiency, reaching 128 for the loss of just two wickets in a mere 12.1 overs.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi emerged as the architect of the emphatic victory, producing a breathtaking display of power-hitting. He raced to a half-century in just 15 deliveries, eventually scoring 52 runs, laced with four boundaries and five towering sixes, effectively dismantling the opposition attack.

Among the bowlers, Ravindra Jadeja, Jofra Archer, and Nandre Burger claimed two wickets each, while Jamie Overton stood out for Chennai with a fighting knock of 43. Anshul Kamboj also chipped in with two wickets.

Chennai’s woes were compounded by the absence of their talismanic former captain MS Dhoni, who has been sidelined for two weeks due to injury. Additionally, Dewald Brevis is set to miss three matches owing to fitness concerns.

Under the captaincy of Ruturaj Gaikwad, Chennai struggled to assert control, with Gaikwad and Rajasthan skipper Sanju Samson both managing just six runs, highlighting a lacklustre start for key figures in the season opener.