The weather in Guwahati looms large during the IPL 2026 opener between Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings, with rain forecast casting doubt on the match. Both teams, aiming for a fresh start after poor seasons, feature major changes in players and leadership. Sanju Samson moves to CSK, Ravindra Jadeja to RR, Riyan Parag captains the Royals and Ruturaj Gaikwad captains CSK.
Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings are set to begin a new phase of their Indian Premier League journeys on Monday, but the weather in Guwahati threatens to take center stage even before a ball is thrown.The opening match of IPL 2026 between the two sides comes with renewed narratives after both teams hit the reset button following last-place finishes last season.
However, multiple weather forecasts have cast doubt on how much action fans will witness.
While the BBC forecast thundery showers during the scheduled match hours, Weather.com also indicated continuous rain from early evening until midnight. In contrast, AccuWeather offers a more optimistic outlook, suggesting precipitation is likely, although high humidity is expected to persist.
He watches
CSK is hosting a fan engagement event at Chepauk ahead of IPL 2026
Beyond the uncertainty that looms large, the competition represents a major shift in people and leadership. Sanju Samson will join CSK after leading Rajasthan Royals until last season
Ravindra Jadeja
He moved in the opposite direction, returning to the franchise where he started his career in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008.
Sam Curran
re-formed both teams.Ryan Baraj
He will lead the Rajasthan Royals team in a new role
Ruturaj Gaikwad
He regains the Chennai Super Kings captaincy after his 2025 campaign was cut short due to injury.
CSK will also be without MS Dhoni for the opening leg due to a calf issue, and Dewald Brevis has been ruled out of the first match.
reconnaissance
Who do you think will perform better in this match?
On paper, Rajasthan Royals appear to have addressed their balance issues. The addition of Jadeja alongside Ravi Bishnoi gives them greater control in midfield, while the pace of their attack, which includes Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger and Adam Milne, provides variety and pace.However, Chennai Super Kings have questions to answer, especially on the ball. The absence of Nathan Ellis leaves a gap in the death overs, with the attack largely made up of bowlers who are more effective on the power play. Noor Ahmed is expected to take over the middle duties, but the closing stages remain a concern.Also Read: RR vs CSK Live Score