IPL 2026 comes up with a fresh twist as the Rajasthan Royals (RR) host the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in a high-octane Match 3 of the 2026 season. Set in the humid heart of Guwahati, this encounter isn’t just a battle for early points, it’s a narrative-rich showdown featuring traded icons and hometown heroes.

The biggest talking point heading into this clash is the blockbuster trade that reshaped both franchises. Sanju Samson, the long-standing face of RR, now dons the Yellow jersey. In return, the Royals secured the legendary Ravindra Jadeja, who returns to the nursery where his IPL journey began under Shane Warne in 2008.

Adding to the drama, Riyan Parag takes over as the full-time captain for RR, leading his side in front of his home crowd in Guwahati. On the other side, Ruturaj Gaikwad returns fully fit to lead a rebuilt CSK squad hungry to move past a disappointing 2025 season.

RR vs CSK, IPL 2026: Match details

• Date and Time: March 30; 7:30 pm IST / 2 pm GMT
• Venue: Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati

RR vs CSK, Head-to-Head Record in IPL

Matches played: 31 | CSK won: 16 | RR won: 15 | No result/Tied: 0

Barsapara Cricket Stadium

The surface at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati is traditionally a batter’s dream, characterized by its true bounce and a lack of lateral movement once the initial shine of the new ball fades. The pitch is historically hard and flat, allowing for consistent stroke play and high-scoring encounters. However, the defining factor tomorrow will be the heavy evening dew, which often renders the outfield lightning-fast and makes the ball incredibly difficult for spinners to grip in the second innings. Expect a high-scoring thriller where any target feels unsafe, making the toss crucial—captains will undoubtedly look to bowl first.

Also READ: From Auqib Nabi to Vaibhav Suryavanshi: Here are top uncapped stars to watch out from each franchise in IPL 2026

Squads

Rajasthan Royals: Riyan Parag (captain), Shubham Dubey, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Aman Rao, Dhruv Jurel, Ravi Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Yudhvir Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Yash Raj Punja, Vignesh Puthur, Sandeep Sharma, Tushar Deshpande, Sushant Mishra, Kuldeep Sen, Brijesh Sharma, Jofra Archer*, Lhuan-dre Pretorius*, Donovan Ferreira*, Kwena Maphaka*, Nandre Burger*, Adam Milne*, Shimron Hetmyer*, Dasun Shanaka*

Chennai Super Kings: Ruturaj Gaikwad (captain), Ayush Mhatre, Sarfaraz Khan, Sanju Samson, Urvil Patel, Kartik Sharma, Shivam Dube, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Shreyas Gopal, Aman Khan, Prashant Veer, Rahul Chahar, Khaleel Ahmed, Gurjapneet Singh, Anshul Kamboj, Mukesh Choudhary, Jamie Overton*, Dewald Brevis*, Matt Short*, Spencer Johnson*, Zak Foulkes*, Matt Henry*, Noor Ahmad*, Akeal Hosein*, MS Dhoni

RR vs CSK, IPL 2026: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• RR wins the toss and bowls first
• CSK’s powerplay score: 50-60
• CSK’s total score: 180-190

Case 2:

• CSK wins the toss and bowls first
• RR’s powerplay score: 60-70
• RR’s total score: 190-200

Match result: Team bowling first to win the contest

Also READ: Here’s why MS Dhoni will miss the first two weeks of IPL 2026

The 2026 IPL season ignites with a high-stakes match as the Rajasthan Royals host the Chennai Super Kings at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. This Match 3 encounter is defined by a landscape-shifting trade that has fundamentally altered both franchises. Sanju Samson, the long-standing heartbeat of the Royals, makes a surreal appearance in CSK yellow, while the legendary Ravindra Jadeja returns to the nursery where his career began under Shane Warne in 2008. Adding a layer of local fervor, Guwahati’s own Riyan Parag steps up as the full-time captain of the Royals, eager to prove his leadership on home soil.

On the opposite side, Ruturaj Gaikwad returns at full fitness to lead a revitalized Chennai squad looking to erase the memories of a lacklustre 2025 campaign. However, the Super Kings face a significant emotional and tactical hurdle: the absence of MS Dhoni. The veteran icon is set to miss the initial two weeks of the 2026 season due to calf strain injury, leaving a void in the lower order and the leadership group. As these two heavyweights clash in the humid Assam air, the narrative of traded icons and missing legends sets the stage for a truly unpredictable thriller.

RR vs CSK, Head-to-Head Record in IPL

Matches played: 31 | CSK won: 16 | RR won: 15 | No result/Tied: 0

Probable XI of Both Teams

Rajasthan Royals: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius (wk), Riyan Parag (c), Ravindra Jadeja, Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel, Ravi Bishnoi, Jofra Archer, Sandeep Sharma, Tushar Deshpande

Impact Player options: Kuldeep Sen / Shubham Dubey

Chennai Super Kings: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Sanju Samson (wk), Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Kartik Sharma, Prashant Veer, Noor Ahmad, Shreyas Gopal, Khaleel Ahmed, Matt Henry

Impact Player options: Rahul Chahar / Mukesh Choudhary

Also READ: Here’s why MS Dhoni will miss the first two weeks of IPL 2026

IPL Stats and Records at Barsapara Cricket Stadium

• Total matches: 6
• Matches won batting first: 3
• Matches won bowling first: 2
• No Result: 1
• Average 1st Inns scores: 180
• Average 2nd Inns scores: 143
• Highest total recorded: 199/4 (20 Ov) by RR vs DC, 2023
• Lowest total recorded: 142/9 (20 Ov) by DC vs RR, 2023
• Highest score chased: 153/2 (17.3 Ov) by KKR vs RR, 2025
• Lowest score defended: 182/9 (20 Ov) by RR vs CSK, 2025

Also READ: Rajasthan Royals IPL 2026 Full Schedule: Date, Time & Venues of RR matches

The TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, match no.2 between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). It has been an exciting encounter with the batters having a good time. MI while chasing a target of 221 runs, Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton looked in amazing form, and they smacked the bowlers every part of the ground.

During the game, Rohit Sharma, who was looking sensational, in the game was dismissed by a brilliant catch from Ankul Roy. The KKR all-rounder ran backwards and took a diving catch to dismiss the dangerous Rohit Sharma, as the former India captain was back in the pavilion, scoring 78 off 38 balls. The incident occurred in the 11.5 overs, with Vaibhav Arora picking up the wicket.

🎥 Anukul Roy with a 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 to end Rohit Sharma’s fabulous innings 🫴👏 #MIvsKKR pic.twitter.com/KX4dIEyCnt

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— ℝ𝕖𝕥𝕚𝕣𝕖𝕕 𝕀ℙ𝕃 𝔽𝕒𝕟  (@RetiredIPLFan) March 29, 2026

Rohit Sharma smashes new records

Rohit smashed many records during the IPL match no.2, as he became the first Asian batter to smash 550 sixes in T20s. He brought up his 23-ball 50, which was his quickest in the IPL. The opener now has the most runs against KKR with 1095 runs against the Knights. He surpassed the score of David Warner.

Mumbai Indians won the toss and elected to field first, and KKR were off to a flying start with Finn Allen and Ajinkya Rahane scoring 78 in the power play. The latter scored 67 and gave KKR a good position to score runs. Allen scored 37 off 17 balls, and Cam Green scored 18 off 10 balls.

KKR fell short of 20 runs

Angkrish Raghuvanshi showed his class and scored 51, and Rinku Singh gave the finishing touch for the Knights, scoring 33 off 21 balls. KKR would have felt they were short of 15-20 runs because at one stage, 240 was the projected score on a very good batting surface.

During the game, Ajinkya Rahane also limped off as Rinku Singh, the team’s vice-captain, took over the captaincy. However, Rinku did not have much to do as Rohit and Rickelton were smashing the KKR bowlers, and the skipper was helpless.

Also Read: Ajinkya Rahane walks off injured in IPL 2026 match against MI

A massive blow for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the middle of their clash against the Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, March 29, for the second match of the IPL 2026 season. KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane walked off the ground with a limping leg.

Ajinkya Rahane had to walk off the ground because of an injury scare. In the absence of Rahane, Rinku Singh, the vice-captain of the team, will lead the team. The instance takes place after the conclusion of the 4^th over of the second innings.

KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane walked off the field with an injury scare

For the fifth over, Varun Chakaravarthy was about to take his run-up when Ajinkya Rahane lay on his back on the ground. The game had to pause for a while as the physio rushed onto the ground to assist the injured fielder. Manish Pandey came in as the substitute fielder.

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Watch the moment here:

Injury for Rahane pic.twitter.com/f4uGKPznfs

— Nickk Knight (@KnightNick34590) March 29, 2026

It was definitely a major blow for the team, as the team was in a crucial juncture of the match, and Ajinkya Rahane is a seasoned campaigner to lead the team from the front at that moment. Throughout his career, the veteran cricketer has witnessed multiple pressure conditions, and he knows how to tackle those tricky situations.

Rinku Singh is the stand-in skipper in the absence of Ajinkya Rahane

In the absence of Rahane, the duty to take the team forward in the match is on the shoulders of Rinku Singh, who was named as the deputy captain ahead of the IPL 2026 season. Rinku Singh, he gathered some experiences about the leadership duties through some domestic games. It will be a massive moment for him, and will test his mettle as a captain as well for a moment.

After the first innings of the match, the Kolkata Knight Riders were in the driving seat as they secured a massive total of 220 runs on the scoreboard. Ajinkya Rahane batted beautifully along with his opening partner Finn Allen, and the middle-order batters Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Ringku Singh. The half-centuries of Rahane and Raghuvanshi took the team edge past the 200-run mark.

Mumbai Indian batters are ruling at the Wankhede Stadium

On their home soil, where the Mumbai Indians and some of their Indian talents have played a lot of cricket, they got a good start with Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton. As both Sharma and Rickelton scored a half-century each, MI quickly reached the 100-run mark.

As the match progresses, the momentum has lightly titled towards the home team, the Mumbai Indians. The batting part of the Kolkata Knight Riders did their job pretty well, but it was their bowling unit that pushed them on the back foot. During the writing of this article, Vaibhav Arora, Blessing Muzarabani, Kartik Tyagi, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Sunil Narine all conceded at least 11 runs per over in their respective innings.

Read More: Sunil Narine scripts history during IPL 2026 match vs MI

The TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 started well; in match No.2, the Mumbai Indians (MI) beat the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 6 wickets. It was their first win in the first game of the IPL after 14 years.

MI faced KKR at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. MI won the toss and elected to field first. KKR opened with captain Ajinkya Rahane and Finn Allen, and were off to a flying start, scoring 78 in the powerplay.

KKR openers gave a good start

It was that one over with Rahane smashing 26 of Hardik Pandya’s second over. Allen lost after giving the start the Knights needed, scoring 37 off 17 balls as Shardul Thakur got the breakthrough.

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Thakur also picked the second wicket for the side, with Cameron Green going back scoring 18 off 10 balls. Rahane was back in the dugout after scoring 67 off 40 balls. Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Rinku Singh then controlled the game a bit and gave KKR back the momentum.

The former scored a half-century and was dismissed at the score of 51 off 29 balls. Rinku finished off with the score of 33 off 21 balls, and KKR finished off with a decent total of 220/4.

Rohit Sharma show at the Wankhede Stadium

Coming out to chase Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton gave MI a fiery start; both batters took charge in the power play. The former scored a half-century of 50 off 22 balls and looked dangerous in the run chase. During the game, the Knights’ skipper, Rahane, limped off the field, and Rinku Singh took over the captaincy. MI was 80/0 in the power play.

MI scored a hundred-run partnership for the first wicket. The two openers looked in blistering form and smacked the KKR bowlers all over the park. Rohit was dismissed on the score of 78 off 38 deliveries, and he was absolutely rampant on the night. The first wicket fell after 148 runs on the board, and MI won the game with five balls to spare.

But these boys will learn- Ajinkya Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane gave an update about his injury during the post-match presentation, and he felt okay, and it was just a cramp. He backed his bowlers despite a poor performance. He also gave an update on Cameron Green not bowling in the match.

Rahane said, “Feeling okay but lot of cramps, especially my calves. Hopefully I’ll be okay. It was really tough [for bowlers]. Inexperienced bowling attack, but these boys will learn. Strong batting lineup. So it’s a learning curve. I thought MI batted well. So our bowlers will definitely learn. [On playing the way at his age] I’m still young, KP [Kevin Pietersen].”

“But yeah really happy with the way I am batting in the moment. Hopefully Green starts to bowl soon and the combination will be slightly different. We batted really well but finding that balance with the ball is really important. [On why Green can’t bowl] That question you need to ask Cricket Australia.”

He concluded saying, “[On positives] We batted well and I thought Kartik Tyagi bowled well. Played after a while but he was really good. Lot of positives and long way to go.”

Also Read: IPL Points Table 2026: Updated Standings, Orange Cap, Purple Cap After MI vs KKR Match No.2

Mumbai Indians (MI) got an enthralling victory over the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Wankhede Stadium after a high-scoring encounter. Hardik Pandya’s side chased down the target of 221 runs successfully and won the match by 6 wickets and 5 balls to spare. It was a crucial victory for the Mumbai Indians, as they had a reputation for losing the opening match of their campaign since 2012.

After the match, MI skipper Hardik Pandya joined the post-match presentation ceremony, and for obvious reasons, he looked happy and confident. Pandya himself was on the crease when his team hit the winning runs. But it was Shardul Thakur who shifted the momentum of the match under immense pressure.

KKR registered a handsome total on the board

Went to bat first, KKR registered 220 runs in exchange for 4 wickets in 20 overs. They could have scored more than that, but experienced seam bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur put a speed breaker in front of the opposing team batters. For the Knight Riders, their skipper Ajinkya Rahane scored the highest, 67 runs off 40 balls, and their emerging keeper-batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi smashed 51 in 29 balls.

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Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton were in stunning form against the Kolkata Knight Riders.

MI chased down the stiff target smoothly because of Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton. The opening pair set up the foundation for the team by securing 148 runs before losing their first batter. While Ryan Rickelton scored 81 off 43, Rohit Sharma got 78 off 38. It was the sixth-highest successful run chase in IPL.

Shardul Thakur was named Player of the Match for his effective bowling spells. The pacer took the wickets of Ajinkya Rahane, Finn Allen, and Cameron Green in his 4-over spell, in exchange for 39 runs.

Highest successful IPL run-chases
262 – PBKS vs KKR, Kolkata, 2024
246 – SRH vs PBKS, Hyderabad, 2025
228 – RCB vs LSG, Lucknow, 2025
224 – RR vs PBKS, Sharjah, 2020
224 – RR vs KKR, Kolkata, 2024
221 – MI vs KKR, Wankhede, 2026*

Hardik Pandya, in his statement, said it was hard for them to select Ryan Rickelton as the opening partner for Rohit Sharma, as they also have another prolific opener in Quinton de Kock. The skipper also claimed that he is happy to see Shardul Thakur playing in the Mumbai Indian jersey after switching multiple franchises in the past.

Hardik Pandya said, “It’s been a long wait. 13 years is a long time. Very glad, the whole team is very glad that we were finally able to do it. We have seen what this wicket plays like. We knew the wicket was good. 220 is always gettable. Ro and Rickeleon were brilliant.”

“To see that, very nice. Ryan has done really well for this franchise. Quinny (Quinton de Kock) understands that. (On Rohit) It’s a treat. (On Shardul Thakur) I said to him enough hopping of franchises. He has a big heart, really happy for him,” Hardik Pandya said after the match.

Read More: IPL Points Table 2026: Updated Standings, Orange Cap, Purple Cap After MI vs KKR Match No.2

Rohit Sharma made a blinder. The former India and Mumbai Indians captain missed a sitter during the Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders (MI vs KKR) match on March 29 at the Wankhede Stadium. It could have been an easy catch for Rohit Sharma, but he missed it and allowed the ball to touch the boundary rope as well. This can be a turning moment of the match, as KKR keeper-batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi then pushed the paddle to increase the strike rate.

KKR got a flying start against the Mumbai Indians through their opening pair of captains, Ajinkya Rahane and Finn Allen. Riding high on these two batters’ swashbuckling batting, KKR ruled the power play. Later, it was Shardul Thakur who lowered the batting side’s run rate by taking crucial wickets.

Rohit Sharma missed an easy catch during the MI vs KKR IPL 2026 clash in Mumbai.

Angkrish Raghuvanshi also posed a real threat to the home team, as he was well settled on the track. If Rohit Sharma managed to take a catch, then KKR could be in trouble, and MI could progress towards the driving seat.

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Watch the drop catch here

Lol 😂 pic.twitter.com/G0YOQ5kgKa

— Nickk Knight (@KnightNick34590) March 29, 2026

On the fifth ball of the 15^th over of the first innings, Angkrish Raghuvanshi looked to hit the Afghanistan spinner AM Ghazanfar’s delivery down the ground, but could not connect the ball at the right moment. After making the connection with the bat, the ball went flying towards the long on, where Rohit settled himself to dismiss the Knight Riders batter.

Sharma was in the right position, but misjudged the trajectory of the ball. He stretched both of his arms to catch it, but the ball spilled out of his palms and bounced onto the boundary rope. He could have done better if he had taken a further step.

KKR set up a massive total against the Mumbai Indians

With the extra lifeline, Raghuvanshi went to register a blistering half-century. The middle-order batter scored 51 runs against 29 deliveries, powered by six 4s and a couple of 6s. Rinku Singh also performed well in the middle by scoring 33 runs in 21 balls.

Batting first, in their 20-over limit, Kolkata Knight Riders secured 220 runs in exchange for 4 wickets. For the Mumbai Indians, he proved to be the most effective bowler for them as he took 3 wickets in 4 overs for an economy rate of 9.75.

Will Rohit Sharma be able to impress with his bat?

In the second innings, the Mumbai Indians, the home team, will have to score 221 runs to get a much-needed win in their first match of the season. It is worth noting that in this game, Rohit Sharma performed as a full-time player, unlike an impact batter.

In the previous season (IPL 2025), the former skipper appeared for the team mainly as an impact player. Fans are expecting to see another mind-blowing innings from ‘Hitman’ against the massive total set by KKR.

Read More: Sunil Narine scripts history during IPL 2026 match vs MI

The start of IPL 2026 has delivered a huge setback for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fans, as veteran icon MS Dhoni is set to miss a significant portion of the tournament. The 44-year-old has been ruled out of at least six matches due to a calf strain, leaving a noticeable void in the team’s setup.

The injury reportedly occurred during a training session, where Dhoni was seen limping – an early sign that something wasn’t quite right. Those concerns were later confirmed when CSK released an official update stating that Dhoni is “currently undergoing rehabilitation for a calf strain” and will miss the opening phase of the season.

To make matters more concerning, Dhoni did not travel with the squad for their opening fixture against Rajasthan Royals (R) in Guwahati. Instead, he has remained in Chennai to focus entirely on recovery. A senior CSK official summed up the situation, saying, “It is definitely a big blow for us and we’ll have to deal with it. He is taking rest and we want him back as soon as possible.”

This absence couldn’t have come at a worse time for CSK, especially after their disappointing IPL 2025 campaign where they finished at the bottom of the table. With a fresh season offering a chance at redemption, losing their most experienced leader – even temporarily – adds pressure on the squad right from the start.

MS Dhoni’s comeback date and matches he will miss

The big question on every fan’s mind is simple – when will Dhoni return? As per multiple reports, his expected comeback is likely to be in the last week of April 2026. The most anticipated return date is April 23, when CSK face arch-rivals Mumbai Indians (MI) at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. However, team insiders suggest that even this timeline isn’t guaranteed, and his return could be pushed further depending on recovery progress.

For now, Dhoni is expected to miss the following six matches:

vs Rajasthan Royals – March 30
vs Punjab Kings – April 3
vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru – April 5
vs Delhi Capitals – April 11
vs Kolkata Knight Riders – April 14
vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – April 18

There’s also a possibility that he could miss the high-profile clash against Mumbai Indians if his recovery takes longer than expected.

While the official statement mentions a two-week absence, behind-the-scenes updates indicate a slightly longer recovery window. Given Dhoni’s age and history of injuries – including knee surgery after IPL 2023 – the franchise appears cautious about rushing him back.

Also READ: Ravichandran Ashwin predicts CSK’s top batter in IPL 2026

Who will step up in Dhoni’s absence?

CSK, however, isn’t walking into this situation unprepared. The franchise had already strengthened its squad ahead of IPL 2026, and Dhoni’s absence will now test that depth.

Sanju Samson is expected to take over wicketkeeping duties and could also open the batting alongside captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. Samson’s experience and aggressive style make him a natural fit to fill part of the void.

Other options in the squad include Kartik Sharma and Urvil Patel, both capable of delivering impactful performances. In the lower middle order, players like Prashant Veer are expected to provide the finishing power that Dhoni has been known for over the years.

Still, replacing Dhoni isn’t just about skills – it’s about leadership, calmness under pressure, and unmatched game awareness. His absence will be felt not just behind the stumps, but also in crunch moments where his decision-making often proves decisive.

Dhoni’s absence shifts the spotlight firmly onto CSK’s core group. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad will have to lead from the front, while the coaching staff, led by Stephen Fleming, will play a crucial role in maintaining team balance and morale.

Also READ: IPL 2026 – Who is Prashant Veer? The ‘next Ravindra Jadeja’ for CSK

Mumbai Indians pulled off a sensational run chase to defeat Kolkata Knight Riders by 6 wickets in Match 2 of the Indian Premier League 2026 at the Wankhede Stadium. Chasing a daunting target of 221, MI rode on explosive knocks from Ryan Rickelton and Rohit Sharma to seal the victory in just 19.1 overs, setting the tone for an electrifying season ahead.

KKR post mammoth total on the back of Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi

After being put into bat, Kolkata Knight Riders made full use of the batting-friendly conditions to post a formidable 220/4 in their 20 overs. Ajinkya Rahane led the charge with a commanding 67 off 40 balls, showcasing a blend of elegance and aggression with five sixes. Finn Allen provided a fiery start, smashing 37 off just 17 deliveries, while Angkrish Raghuvanshi impressed with a fluent 51 off 29 balls.

Rinku Singh also chipped in with a valuable 33, ensuring KKR maintained momentum throughout the innings. Despite the onslaught, Shardul Thakur stood out for Mumbai Indians with the ball, claiming 3 crucial wickets, while the rest of the bowling attack struggled to contain the run flow.

Ryan Rickelton, Rohit Sharma dominate in record chase

In response, Mumbai Indians came out all guns blazing. Rickelton played a breathtaking knock of 81 off 43 balls, hammering eight sixes to keep MI ahead of the required rate. Rohit complemented him perfectly, scoring 78 off 38 balls with a mix of elegant strokes and powerful hits.

The duo’s opening partnership laid the perfect foundation for the chase, dismantling the KKR bowling attack with ease. Even after their departures, brief but impactful contributions from Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, and Hardik Pandya ensured there were no hiccups in the chase.

Kolkata’s bowlers had a tough outing as none could effectively apply the brakes on Mumbai’s aggressive batting. Vaibhav Arora and Kartik Tyagi picked up a wicket each but were expensive, while Sunil Narine managed one scalp. However, the lack of breakthroughs during the powerplay proved costly as MI surged ahead early in the innings.

Also WATCH: Shardul Thakur’s slower ball masterclass dismisses Finn Allen in MI vs KKR IPL 2026 clash

Here’s how fans reacted:

What a way to start the season! Rohit Sharma reaches 550 T20 sixes in style—the first Asian player to achieve this incredible milestone. Absolute dominance at the Wankhede. 🇮🇳🙌 pic.twitter.com/ONs8dUwzlx

— saify (@SohamP40898) March 29, 2026

Rohit Sharma to KKR bowlers :pic.twitter.com/1OdTU72YEg https://t.co/UjibttFvH7

— 🏏 (@NaaniHolic) March 29, 2026

𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗞𝗡𝗢𝗖𝗞 – 78 from 38! 🔥 #Rohit Sharma pic.twitter.com/EsftBxgzrX

— Mr. Ak (@Mr_Ak_India) March 29, 2026

bRo single-handedly did it for Mumbai Indians..something they hadn’t been able to do for the last 14 years.

Rohit Sharma 🙌🫡🐐 pic.twitter.com/wxQoeeLQON

— Jyran (@Jyran45) March 29, 2026

Rohit Sharma vs KKR: Rohit now holds the record for the most runs against a single opponent in the IPL with 1,161 runs against KKR.
Hitman show 🔥 #MIvsKKR

— Venkat_OG (@WashiYoWashi__5) March 29, 2026

Most Runs Against a Team in IPL

1160 runs – 𝗥𝗼𝗵𝗶𝘁 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗮 v KKR*
1159 runs – Virat Kohli v PBKS
1146 runs – Virat Kohli v CSK
1134 runs – David Warner v PBKS
1130 runs – Virat Kohli v DC
1093 runs – Warner v KKR
1057 runs – Shikhar Dhawan v CSK
1057 runs – Rohit v DC pic.twitter.com/OGkZtJ0evp

— Niraj Kumar Kushwaha (@Nirajku11362609) March 29, 2026

Rohit Sharma has reinvented himself late in his career.
His renewed focus on fitness is evident.
At 38, he recorded his fastest IPL half‑century.
A shining example of clarity, perseverance, and excellence.”@ImRo45 @mipaltan#MIvsKKR #IPL2026

— 🇮🇳 अहमद जी 🇮🇳 (@Ahmed992727) March 29, 2026

Current Orange Cap holder: Sir Ryan David Rickelton 👑#MIvKKR #MIvsKKR pic.twitter.com/eZp0tivG5S

— Dave (ARTETA OUT) (@AFC_Dev17) March 29, 2026

🚨 MI Chase 221 in Thriller

Mumbai Indians pulled off a stunning 221 chase against KKR at Wankhede. Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton led the charge as MI sealed the win with 5 balls to spare. Mumbai also registered their first opening match win after 14 years 🤍💙#MIvsKKR #IPL pic.twitter.com/lfjBea42in

— Atharva (@Atharva_0764) March 29, 2026

The hero’s of Mumbai Indians …..

Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton ……. pic.twitter.com/WzuDF4iNja

— Bad Boy (@Badboycric) March 29, 2026

Also READ: MI vs KKR: Here’s why Suryakumar Yadav is playing as impact player in today’s IPL 2026 match

As the excitement of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 gathers momentum, a light-hearted moment from the nets has captured fans’ attention ahead of a high-voltage clash between the Rajasthan Royals and the Chennai Super Kings. England pacer Jofra Archer left everyone in splits after perfectly mimicking the bowling action of India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja during a practice session.

Jofra Archer copies Ravindra Jadeja’s bowling action in style

In a video shared by the Royals on social media, Archer, known for his express pace, hilariously switched roles to imitate Jadeja’s signature left-arm spin. From the run-up to the wrist position and follow-through, Archer’s impression was remarkably accurate, leaving teammates amused.

What made the moment even more special was Jadeja’s reaction. The seasoned all-rounder, known for his sharp cricketing mind and on-field intensity, couldn’t help but appreciate Archer’s effort, acknowledging how closely the pacer had replicated his style. The clip quickly went viral, giving fans a glimpse of the camaraderie and relaxed atmosphere within the Royals camp ahead of a crucial fixture.

Here’s the video:

Jaddu x Jaddu 😂💗👌 pic.twitter.com/mE8myYe1K7

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) March 29, 2026

IPL 2026 off to a blockbuster start

The 2026 edition of the IPL began on a thrilling note, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad by six wickets at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. While these two teams have already taken the field, others are fine-tuning their preparations, building anticipation for their opening encounters.

Among them, Rajasthan Royals are gearing up for their first match of the season, scheduled against Chennai Super Kings on March 30. The clash is expected to draw massive attention due to several high-profile player movements ahead of the season.

Also READ: Rajasthan Royals IPL 2026 Full Schedule: Date, Time & Venues of RR matches

Player swaps add spice to RR vs CSK encounter

One of the biggest talking points ahead of this fixture is the switch of key players between the two franchises. Former Royals captain Sanju Samson is set to don CSK colours for the first time, marking a significant shift in team dynamics. On the other hand, Jadeja has returned to Rajasthan Royals, the franchise where his IPL journey began, adding an emotional layer to the contest.

These changes not only bring fresh combinations but also heighten the competitive edge between the two sides, making the encounter even more intriguing for fans.

The match will take place at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, a venue known for its lively pitches and enthusiastic crowds. With star players like Archer, Jadeja, Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad and emerging talents such as Vaibhav Suryavanshi in action, fans can expect a thrilling contest.

However, Chennai Super Kings will miss the presence of their iconic former skipper MS Dhoni, who is unavailable for the initial phase of the tournament due to a calf strain. His absence could influence the team’s balance, adding another layer of uncertainty to the game.

Also READ: Chennai Super Kings IPL 2026 Full Schedule: Date, Time & Venues of CSK matches