RR vs CSK IPL 2026 Match 3: Which Players Have Made Their Debut Today?

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RR vs CSK: Rajasthan Royals are locking horns with Chennai Super Kings in Match 3 of the Indian Premier League 2026, and the game has already tilted strongly in Rajasthan's favour. After winning the toss, RR opted to bowl first, a decision that has been fully justified by their disciplined and aggressive bowling display.

Chennai Super Kings have struggled to find momentum, losing wickets at regular intervals and slipping to 74/7 in 10.4 overs. RR's bowlers have maintained tight lines and lengths, applying constant pressure and not allowing the batters to settle. The early breakthroughs in the powerplay set the tone, and the middle overs have only deepened CSK's troubles as they continue to search for partnerships.

With the innings in a precarious state, CSK will need a late counterattack to reach a respectable total, while RR will look to wrap up the innings quickly and gain a strong advantage in the match. But on the sidelines of this cracking contest, several cricketers made their debut for their respective sides.

RR vs CSK: Which Players Made Their IPL Debut Today?

Kartik Sharma

Kartik Sharma has been handed his IPL debut by Chennai Super Kings after being snapped up for a reported ₹ 14.20 crore at the December auction, making him one of the franchise's notable investments for the 2026 season.

The five-time champions targeted Sharma due to his explosive lower-order hitting and his recent form in domestic cricket. He notably scored 133 runs in five matches at a strike rate of over 160 in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Additionally, he had previously trained with the CSK squad as a net bowler during the 2025 season.

Matt Short

Besides Sharma, Matt Short, the Australian all-rounder, was also handed his IPL debut as a replacement for the injured Dewald Brevis. He was acquired by the franchise for his base price of ₹ 1.50 crore during the IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi.

Short brings impressive credentials into the tournament, having established himself as one of the most consistent performers in franchise cricket. A two-time Player of the Tournament in the Big Bash League (BBL12 and BBL13), where he also captains the Adelaide Strikers, Short has showcased his leadership and all-round ability.

He was also the leading run-scorer in Major League Cricket 2025, amassing 353 runs for the San Francisco Unicorns. Recently, he represented Australia national cricket team in the T20I series against Pakistan in February 2026, further underlining his growing stature on the international stage.

Brijesh Sharma

Rajasthan Royals also handed the 27-year-old medium pacer Brijesh Sharma from Udhampur in Jammu & Kashmir his maiden IPL cap against Chennai Super Kings. Sharma's rise in the IPL was driven by an impressive breakthrough performance in the 2025 Bengal Pro T20 League, where he represented Smashers Malda.

Despite not having prior senior-level cricket experience at the time of the auction, Sharma caught the attention of scouts with his ability to deliver impactful spells in both the powerplay and death overs. His skill set made him a valuable pick for the Royals, who identified him as a promising pace option capable of adapting to different match situations.