IPL 2026: Will rain play spoilsport as RR and CSK begin new era in Guwahati?
Guwahati's weather looms large over the IPL 2026 opener between Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings, with rain forecasts casting doubt on the match. Both teams, aiming for a fresh start after poor seasons, feature significant player and leadership changes. Sanju Samson moves to CSK, Ravindra Jadeja to RR, and Riyan Parag captains the Royals, while Ruturaj Gaikwad leads CSK.
Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings are set to usher in a new phase of their IPL journeys on Monday, but the weather in Guwahati threatens to take centre stage even before a ball is bowled. The IPL 2026 opener between the two sides comes with renewed narratives after both teams hit the reset button following bottom-place finishes last season. However, multiple weather forecasts have cast doubt over how much action fans will witness.
While BBC Weather has predicted “thundery showers” through the scheduled match hours, Weather. com has also indicated consistent rain from early evening until midnight. AccuWeather, in contrast, offers a more optimistic outlook, suggesting the rain could clear before the toss, although high humidity is expected to persist.
Beyond the uncertainty in the skies, the contest marks a significant shift in personnel and leadership. Sanju Samson will turn out for CSK after leading Rajasthan Royals until last season, while Ravindra Jadeja has moved in the opposite direction, returning to the franchise where he began his IPL career in 2008. The trade, which also involved Sam Curran, has reshaped both squads.
Riyan Parag will lead Rajasthan Royals in a new role, while Ruturaj Gaikwad takes back the Chennai Super Kings captaincy after his 2025 campaign was cut short by injury. CSK will also be without MS Dhoni for the opening phase due to a calf issue, and Dewald Brevis has been ruled out of the first game. 129901105 On paper, Rajasthan Royals appear to have addressed their balance issues.