RR bowlers rip through CSK on tricky Guwahati surface

Chennai Super Kings endured a nightmare start to IPL 2026 as they were bowled out for 127 by a disciplined Rajasthan Royals attack in Guwahati.

On a pitch that had been under covers and offered assistance to seamers, RR’s bowlers executed their plans perfectly after captain Riyan Parag opted to bowl first. The decision paid immediate dividends as Nandre Burger and Jofra Archer tore through the top order with probing lengths and movement off the surface.

Burger struck first by removing Sanju Samson, while Archer bowled Ruturaj Gaikwad as CSK slipped to 41 for 4 in the powerplay. The early collapse left the visitors under severe pressure, with the middle order unable to stabilise the innings.

The slide worsened when Ravindra Jadeja, facing his former franchise, struck twice in his very first over. He removed both Sarfaraz Khan and Shivam Dube to leave CSK reeling at 57 for 6, effectively ending any hopes of a recovery.

Despite the collapse, Jamie Overton provided some resistance with a fighting 43. He shared a 33-run stand for the final wicket with Anshul Kamboj, helping CSK crawl past the 120-mark, but it was only a partial recovery after the early damage.

RR’s bowling unit maintained relentless pressure throughout, with Archer finishing with 2 for 19 and Jadeja returning figures of 2 for 18, while Burger’s early breakthrough set the tone.

For CSK, the performance highlighted familiar batting frailties that plagued them last season, especially in the absence of key players like MS Dhoni and Dewald Brevis.

Rajasthan Royals, meanwhile, will take confidence from a clinical bowling display as they look to build momentum early in the tournament.

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