Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings enter IPL 2026 with fresh identities after both endured disappointing campaigns last season, finishing at the bottom of the table. Major changes have reshaped both squads, starting with a headline swap that sees Sanju Samson move to CSK, while Ravindra Jadeja joins RR.

Leadership has also shifted. Riyan Parag steps in as Rajasthan’s new captain, while Ruturaj Gaikwad returns to lead Chennai after his 2025 campaign was cut short by injury. Meanwhile, MS Dhoni is expected to miss the opening phase of the tournament due to a calf injury, leaving CSK to adjust early.

Chennai have already been dealt a setback, with Dewald Brevis ruled out of their opening match. Head coach Stephen Fleming confirmed the South African batter’s absence, further testing a side still searching for balance.

Rajasthan, on the other hand, have made significant structural changes. The departures of Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana have allowed them to correct last season’s imbalance caused by relying on two overseas spinners. With Jadeja’s arrival and the addition of Ravi Bishnoi, RR now boast a more rounded spin attack. Their pace unit looks equally threatening, featuring Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger, and Adam Milne.

CSK’s bowling, however, raises concerns. Nathan Ellis’ injury withdrawal has weakened their depth, prompting the signing of Spencer Johnson, who is himself returning from injury. While Matt Henry offers reliability, he may not be a standout option in IPL conditions.

The bigger issue for Chennai lies in role clarity. Options like Anshul Kamboj, Khaleel Ahmed, Zak Foulkes, and Akeal Hosein are primarily powerplay specialists. Noor Ahmad, last season’s leading spinner, is expected to control the middle overs—but the question remains: who handles the death bowling?

Team News: RR weighing all-round options

With Sam Curran ruled out for the season, Rajasthan must choose between Donovan Ferreira and Dasun Shanaka to fill the all-rounder slot. There’s also a decision to be made in the pace department, with either Nandre Burger or the returning Adam Milne likely to get the nod.

Rajasthan Royals (probable):
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Riyan Parag (capt), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Ravindra Jadeja, Donovan Ferreira/Dasun Shanaka, Jofra Archer, Ravi Bishnoi, Tushar Deshpande, Sandeep Sharma, Nandre Burger/Adam Milne

For Chennai, Samson is expected to take up wicketkeeping duties and open alongside Gaikwad in Dhoni’s absence. The No. 3 spot remains unsettled, with Ayush Mhatre, Urvil Patel, and Sarfaraz Khan all in contention. A new-look XI could also see debuts for Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer.

While Noor Ahmad and Matt Henry are certain starters in the bowling unit, CSK may have to decide between Akeal Hosein’s spin and Jamie Overton’s pace depending on conditions in Guwahati.

Chennai Super Kings (probable):
Ruturaj Gaikwad (capt), Sanju Samson (wk), Ayush Mhatre/Urvil Patel/Sarfaraz Khan, Matt Short, Shivam Dube, Kartik Sharma, Prashant Veer, Jamie Overton/Akeal Hosein, Noor Ahmad, Matt Henry, Khaleel Ahmed, Anshul Kamboj/Gurjapneet Singh/Ramakrishna Ghosh