Rajasthan Royals (RR) crushed Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 8 wickets in the 3rd match of IPL 2026 at Guwahati. After being invited to bat first, CSK slumped to 41/4 in the powerplay. The innings never recovered, and they were bowled out for just 127 with two balls to spare. Ravindra Jadeja (2/18 in 3 overs), Jofra Archer (2/19 in 4 overs), and Nandre Burger (2/26 in 4 overs) demolished CSK’s batting lineup.

While chasing, the target proved far too small, especially after a stunning knock from Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who smashed a 15-ball half-century. Anshul Kamboj (2/27 in 3 overs) was the most successful bowler for CSK. Rajasthan Royals chased down the target comfortably, winning by eight wickets with 47 balls to spare.

Early Conditions Favour RR Bowlers

The pitch in Guwahati made batting difficult at the start. It had been under covers for long periods due to weather, leaving moisture that assisted bowlers. After winning an important toss, RR chose to bowl first and used the conditions perfectly.

Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger bowled disciplined, Test-match lengths that dismantled CSK’s top order. Later, Ravindra Jadeja made an impact against his former side, picking up two wickets in his very first over. However, the highlight came from Sooryavanshi, who tore apart CSK’s bowling and etched his name into IPL history.

Archer and Burger Trigger Collapse

Burger struck early by dismissing Sanju Samson in the second over. He delivered a perfectly balanced ball on a good length that moved away, completely deceiving the batter.

Soon after, Ruturaj Gaikwad lost his stumps to a sharp 143.3 km/h delivery from Archer. Both openers managed just 6 runs each, putting CSK under immediate pressure.

The middle order failed to stabilize the innings. Young players tried aggressive shots instead of building partnerships, which only worsened the situation. Ayush Mhatre fell for a golden duck attempting a risky hook shot. Matthew Short, playing in place of the injured Dewald Brevis, mistimed a slower ball and was caught, leaving CSK at 38 for 4 inside six overs.

Jadeja Hurts Former Team

The situation worsened when Jadeja struck twice in quick succession. He trapped Sarfaraz Khan lbw with a fast, flat delivery. Soon after, Shivam Dube, who had started aggressively with a six, fell while attempting another big shot.

Jadeja celebrated emotionally against his former team and finished with figures of 2 for 18. During the break, he joked, "pink looks good on me" with a big smile.

Overton Rescues CSK Slightly

At one stage, CSK looked set for a total below 100. However, Jamie Overton provided some resistance with 43 runs off 36 balls. He was the only batter to cross 20.

Overton also added 33 runs with Anshul Kamboj for the final wicket — the highest last-wicket partnership in CSK’s IPL history — helping the team reach 127.

Sooryavanshi’s Explosive Knock Seals the Game

CSK had an early chance to dismiss Sooryavanshi for zero, but a dropped catch by debutant Kartik Sharma proved costly. He misjudged a simple opportunity, and the ball went for four.

Sooryavanshi made CSK pay immediately. On the very next delivery, he launched a six over long-on and never looked back. His innings included five sixes, showcasing exceptional bat speed and timing.

One standout shot came against Matt Henry, where he smashed a slower delivery over deep point despite two fielders guarding the boundary. He raced to his fifty in just 15 balls, joining an elite list alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Pat Cummins, and Romario Shepherd as one of the fastest fifty-makers in IPL history.

CSK finally dismissed him for 52 off 17 balls after a brilliant diving catch by Sarfaraz. Kamboj picked up another wicket soon after, removing Dhruv Jurel.

However, the chase was already under control. Jaiswal (38*) and captain Riyan Parag (14*) calmly guided RR to victory, completing a dominant win.