IPL 2025: RR defeated CSK by 6 runs in their IPL 2025 match at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati. Batting first, RR posted 182/9.
Nitish Rana played a stunning knock of 81 off 36 balls, while leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga took four wickets to help Rajasthan Royals (RR) secure a tough six-run win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL match in Guwahati on Sunday.
IPL 2025: CSK’s Chase Falls Short Despite Gaikwad’s Effort
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Batting at number 3, Rana dominated the CSK bowlers, smashing 10 fours and 5 sixes. However, RR struggled towards the end and finished with 182/9.
CSK, who haven’t successfully chased over 180 since 2019, fell short again, scoring 176/6 in their 20 overs. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad led the chase with 63 runs, but it wasn’t enough as CSK suffered their second straight defeat.
IPL 2025: Dhoni and Jadeja’s Late Blitz in Vain
Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s famous last-over finishes in the IPL are becoming a thing of the past, as he couldn’t power CSK to victory against Maheesh Theekshana and Sandeep Sharma.
Chasing 183, CSK had a tough start, losing Rachin Ravindra (0) in the first three overs as Jofra Archer bowled a maiden wicket over.
Rahul Tripathi (23) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (63) hit some big shots to take CSK to 42/1 in the powerplay.
Wanindu Hasaranga made an impact right away, dismissing Tripathi, who was caught by Shimron Hetmyer. Shivam Dube (18) looked dangerous, smashing two sixes off Hasaranga, but a brilliant moment from RR’s stand-in captain Riyan Parag turned the game around.
Playing in front of his home crowd, Riyan Parag took a stunning diving catch at cover to dismiss Shivam Dube.
Despite Ruturaj Gaikwad’s efforts, CSK kept losing wickets. Wanindu Hasaranga removed Vijay Shankar (9) after a six and then dismissed Gaikwad (50 off 37) as CSK fell to 129/5.
With 39 needed off 12 balls, MS Dhoni (16) hit a four and a massive six, while Ravindra Jadeja (32) also smashed a six.
Sandeep Sharma bowled the final over, taking the crucial wicket of Dhoni with a brilliant catch from Shimron Hetmyer, sealing RR’s six-run win.
Riyan Parag Reacts to RR’s First Win as Captain
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Speaking at the post-match presentation, Riyan Parag shared that winning his first match as captain felt great but admitted he was disappointed with the team’s batting performance. He said:
“Feels good. It took some time; it was two games but it felt long. Felt we were 20 short. We were going well in the middle overs but lost a couple of quick wickets. But we bowled very well. The bowlers stepped up and executed our collective plans. “
Riyan Parag acknowledged that Rajasthan Royals struggled with their bowling in the first two matches but was pleased with the team’s comeback in the third game. He said:
“We have had two tough games, going for 280 and then not being able to defend around 180 in the second game.”
He also praised the team’s fielding effort, stating that it helped compensate for the 20 runs they fell short of.
“Luckily had a few options in this game, me and Nitish were also there. I just did what felt instinctive as a captain today. Fielding makes up for the 20 runs that we were short. We have been working with Dishant Yagnik, our fielding coach. So it shows.”
Gaikwad Criticizes CSK’s Fielding and Batting Adjustments
After the match, Ruturaj Gaikwad praised RR batter Nitish Rana for his innings and criticized his team’s fielding efforts. He admitted that poor fielding cost them extra runs and that his team needs to improve. He said:
“Obvious in the Power Play (the key moment in the game). Nitsh batted well, and we were not proactive knowing he was going behind square, and we should have made him play in front of the wicket. 8-10 runs through misfields as well. We are trying to improve there. 180 was chasable. Still a good wicket if you hit the pockets. I was really happy at the innings break. They were looking good for 210, but 180 was chasable.”
Gaikwad also spoke about the changes in CSK’s batting order, mentioning that Ajinkya Rahane and Ambati Rayudu previously handled the middle overs. With their absence, he has been asked to bat at No.3, but it hasn’t worked as planned. He said:
“Over the years Ajinkya batted at 3 and Rayudu was taking care of middle-overs. We thought it would be better if I came a bit late to take care of the middle overs and Tripathi can bat aggressively at the top. Anyway, it doesn’t matter because I am getting to bat early in the three games (smiles).”
Ruturaj Gaikwad further stated that he is comfortable taking risks and rotating the strike, but things haven’t been going well for the team. He said:
“It was decided during the auction time and I don’t have any problem with that. I can take risks when needed and rotate strike. Unfortunately, we have not been getting the good starts but once we get that, things will be different.”
Gaikwad concluded by highlighting the positives for CSK, praising the performances of Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, and Ravindra Jadeja with the ball. He said:
“(Positives) Noor as usual bowling well, Khaleel bowling well and Jaddu bhai bowled well as well. You need some momentum in the bowling department. I think once everything comes together and we have the momentum, we will be a really good side.”
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