IPL 2026 Kicks Off in Guwahati Amid Rain Threat

IPL 2026 Begins in the Northeast

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is set to make its debut in the Northeastern region today, with the excitement of a thrilling match between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati on Monday (March 30). Both teams are eager to start their season on a positive note after disappointing performances in 2025, where RR finished 9th and CSK ended up at the bottom in 10th place. However, the weather has taken a turn for the worse, with rain threatening to disrupt the match.

Weather Conditions in Guwahati

The weather forecast for Guwahati is not promising, with rain expected throughout the evening. According to BBC Weather, there is over a 50% chance of rain, which increases as the night progresses. By 10:30 PM IST, when the match would typically be nearing its conclusion, the likelihood of rain rises to 84%.

Hourly Weather Forecast for Guwahati

It's important to note that there are no reserve days for league matches. If today's game in Guwahati ends without a result, both teams will receive one point each. A match can only be declared if both teams manage to bat for a minimum of five overs. There will be a one-hour grace period before overs are deducted, and a five-over match may need to commence just before 11:00 PM IST.

This match marks a new chapter for both franchises, with Riyan Parag taking on the role of full-time captain for RR. Additionally, Sanju Samson will face his former team as he makes his debut for CSK, while Ravindra Jadeja returns to play for RR after a 16-year hiatus.