RR vs CSK | Preview, Playing XI, Dream11 Fantasy Tips, Pitch Report, Weather Forecast, Winning Prediction

Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings 2025: Guwahati Hosts Two Sides Searching for Identity in Match 11

The Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings 2025 clash at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati promises to be a fascinating showdown between two sides grappling with early-season inconsistencies. While CSK are reeling from a heavy home defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rajasthan Royals remain winless and under pressure to find their rhythm at a venue that has been anything but a fortress for them.

Sunday night’s encounter marks the second match of the day and brings with it the unique challenge of a turning Guwahati pitch, fatigue for a traveling CSK unit, and the increasing urgency for both teams to solve selection puzzles and strike winning combinations.

Rajasthan Royals Hope to Break the Guwahati Jinx

Despite Riyan Parag's familiarity with the venue and his promotion to captaincy duties in Sanju Samson’s absence, RR have found little joy in Guwahati, winning just once in five matches here across recent seasons. Their top order has misfired, their bowling lacked bite, and there’s growing scrutiny over team balance.

The spinners are expected to play a crucial role, especially with the pitch offering grip and turn, particularly in the first innings. That could bring Kumar Kartikeya into consideration alongside Maheesh Theekshana, who now faces his former franchise, Chennai Super Kings, in a crucial tactical role.

The focus for RR, though, remains their fragile batting. Yashasvi Jaiswal has been quiet so far, and Hetmyer’s late role seems mismatched given his ability to anchor and finish innings. With Samson likely to be used as an Impact Player, Parag must lead from the front and revive RR’s stalling campaign.

Chennai Super Kings Look for Clarity Amid Familiar Flaws

Chennai might be on the points table, but the loss to RCB exposed their growing list of questions. Ruturaj Gaikwad’s batting position is unclear, Shivam Dube’s role seems underutilized, and the late entry of MS Dhoni even after a collapse has raised eyebrows. The team needs more from its big names and sharper decision-making at the top.

The pitch in Guwahati could favour CSK’s spin-heavy core. With Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings 2025 likely to be another low-to-mid scoring game, Jadeja, Ashwin, and Noor Ahmad could thrive. The question is, can their batting chase a total if needed? CSK haven’t won chasing a target over 175 since IPL 2021 and have fallen short even after winning the toss in most of those games.

They may look to strengthen their top order by recalling Devon Conway, pushing Gaikwad back to his preferred opening slot. Alternatively, the idea of playing an additional bowling allrounder like Anshul Kamboj or Vijay Shankar might lend more balance if batting depth is sacrificed.

Pitch and Weather Report: Guwahati to Stay Spin-Friendly

For fantasy players and strategists alike, the IPL 2025 match preview from Guwahati leans heavily toward spin. The surface is holding up, with variable bounce and decent turn, particularly early in the match. Teams that bat second will likely have an advantage as the surface flattens out.

Weather conditions look clear, with temperatures in the mid-30s early in the day but dipping to the high-20s by match time. No rain is expected, and the outfield should remain quick, giving batters some value for their shots.

Spin bowlers like Hasaranga, Jadeja, Ashwin, and Kartikeya will be key fantasy picks, while in-form players such as Riyan Parag or Shivam Dube if promoted could emerge as differential match-winners.

Probable XIs and Tactical Matchups

For CSK, the return of Devon Conway could add much-needed experience at the top. The likes of Rahul Tripathi and Deepak Hooda have been vulnerable to short-pitched bowling, and RR may unleash Jofra Archer and Tushar Deshpande early on. Meanwhile, RR vs CSK 2025 will also feature some new loyalties Theekshana and Deshpande now play against their former franchise in roles similar to what they previously held.

Chennai Super Kings Probable XI: Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Rahul Tripathi/Vijay Shankar, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (wk), Anshul Kamboj, R Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Matheesha Pathirana

Rajasthan Royals Probable XI: Sanju Samson (Impact sub), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag (c), Nitish Rana, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Shubham Dubey, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Sandeep Sharma, Kumar Kartikeya/Tushar Deshpande

Score Prediction and Fantasy Forecast

If the pitch plays like it did earlier this week, a first-innings total of 155–165 could be competitive. Batting second remains advantageous, especially for a team with finishers like Dube, Hetmyer, or even Dhoni if given enough time.

Dream11 Fantasy Hot Picks:
Most probable top scorers – Shivam Dube, Riyan Parag, Ruturaj Gaikwad
Most probable wicket-takers – Ravindra Jadeja, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana
Differential picks – Shubham Dubey, Anshul Kamboj, Kumar Kartikeya

Winning Prediction: If Rajasthan Royals bat first and score above 170, they will be favourites on a slowing pitch. However, if CSK chase under lights, their spin and pace mix might just tilt the contest their way. Slight edge to Rajasthan if they win the toss and bat first.

Interesting Facts Ahead of RR vs CSK 2025

• CSK have not chased down a total over 175 in their last eight attempts since 2021.

• Rajasthan Royals have won just once in five matches at Guwahati.

• Tushar Deshpande and Maheesh Theekshana, both ex-CSK players, will now take the field against them for RR.

• Jadeja is wicketless in two games this season, but has an economy of under 6.5 in Guwahati.

• R Ashwin has dismissed Sanju Samson multiple times in IPL history and has an excellent record against him.