Rajasthan Royals began their 2026 season in dominant fashion with a convincing win over Chennai Super Kings at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati. The Rajasthan Royals chased the small target of 128 with ease and won the match by 8 wickets with 47 balls left. It was a complete team effort, highlighted by disciplined bowling and an explosive knock from young star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
Match summary
RR won the toss and chose to bowl first, a decision that proved perfect under the lights. Their bowlers kept control from the start and never allowed CSK to build momentum. CSK were bowled out for 127 in 19.4 overs, a below-par score on a good batting pitch.
In reply, RR chased the target in just 12.1 overs. A fearless innings dominated the chase from 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who smashed a quick fifty and ensured there was no pressure on the batting unit.
CSK batting struggles
CSK had a difficult start, losing early wickets. The absence of MS Dhoni was clearly visible as the batting order looked unsettled. The top order failed to handle the pace attack of Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger.
Former RR captain Sanju Samson, playing against his old team, was dismissed for just 6 runs. Wickets kept falling at regular intervals, and CSK never managed to form a strong partnership.
Jamie Overton was the only positive for CSK. He scored 43 runs from 36 balls and tried to hold the innings together. His effort helped CSK reach 127, which at least gave the bowlers something to defend.
RR bowlers control the gam.e
RR bowlers executed their plans perfectly. Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger picked up two wickets each and troubled the batters with pace and accuracy. Ravindra Jadeja, playing against his former team, also impressed with 2 wickets for 18 runs and controlled the middle overs well.
Sooryavanshi steals the show
The highlight of the match was Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s fearless batting. The young batter smashed 52 runs from just 17 balls, including five sixes and four fours. He reached his fifty in only 15 balls, making it the third fastest fifty in IPL history.
Yashasvi Jaiswal supported him with a calm, unbeaten 38, while captain Riyan Parag finished the match with confidence.
Captaincy impact
Riyan Parag had a great start as a full-time captain. His bowling changes were smart, and the decision to chase quickly helped RR improve their net run rate early in the season.
CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad had a tough game as his team struggled in both batting and bowling.
Overall, RR looked strong and confident, while CSK will need to improve their batting performance in the next match.
