Rajasthan Royals (RR) defeated Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by six runs in a nail-biting IPL 2025 encounter in Guwahati on Sunday. Despite Ruturaj Gaikwad’s fighting half-century, CSK fell short as Wanindu Hasaranga’s four-wicket haul powered RR to victory.

Rajasthan Registers First Win, Chennai Drops to Seventh

With this crucial win, RR finally got their first two points of the season and climbed to ninth place in the points table. Meanwhile, CSK, having suffered their second loss, slipped to seventh place.

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CSK’s Chase Begins with Early Setback

Chasing 183 runs, CSK faced an immediate setback as Rachin Ravindra fell for a duck to Jofra Archer in the first over. As a result, CSK was reeling at 0/1 in 0.4 overs.

However, Rahul Tripathi counterattacked brilliantly. He played aggressive strokes against Archer and Tushar Deshpande, hitting boundaries and sixes. At the other end, Gaikwad played steadily, smashing three fours off Sandeep Sharma. By the end of the powerplay, CSK had reached 42/1, with Tripathi (21) and Gaikwad (21) unbeaten**.

Hasaranga Turns the Game in Rajasthan’s Favor

Soon after, Hasaranga provided a breakthrough by dismissing Tripathi for 23 off 19 balls (3 fours, 1 six). Consequently, CSK slipped to 46/2 in 7.1 overs.

Next, Shivam Dube looked promising but departed quickly. Hasaranga struck again, removing Dube for 18 off 10 balls (1 four, 2 sixes) and later Vijay Shankar for 9 off 6 balls. By 11.5 overs, CSK had slumped to 92/4, making the chase tougher.

Gaikwad Fights On, But CSK Loses Key Wickets

Despite the setbacks, Gaikwad kept the scoreboard ticking. He reached his half-century in 37 balls, hitting seven fours. Moreover, CSK crossed the 100-run mark in 13.1 overs.

At the end of 15 overs, CSK stood at 122/4, with Gaikwad (57) and Ravindra Jadeja (12) unbeaten**. Unfortunately, just when CSK needed a partnership, Gaikwad fell for 63 off 44 balls (7 fours, 1 six). Yashasvi Jaiswal’s running catch at long-on sent him back. Consequently, CSK was now 129/5 in 15.5 overs.

Dhoni and Jadeja Try, But Rajasthan Holds Firm

With CSK needing 39 runs in 12 balls, MS Dhoni stepped in. However, the 17th and 18th overs yielded just 15 runs, further increasing the pressure.

Fortunately for CSK, Tushar Deshpande’s 19th over proved expensive. Dhoni smashed a four and a six, while Jadeja hit another six, adding 19 runs in the over. As a result, CSK needed 20 runs off the final over.

Sandeep Sharma held his nerve under pressure. He dismissed Dhoni for 16 off 11 balls with a brilliant delivery. Shimron Hetmyer’s stunning catch reduced CSK to 164/6 in 19.1 overs.

Even though Jadeja remained unbeaten on 32 off 22 balls (2 fours, 1 six) and Jamie Overton chipped in with 11 off 4 balls, CSK fell short by six runs, finishing at 176/6 in 20 overs.

Hasaranga’s Spell Secures Rajasthan’s Victory

Undoubtedly, Hasaranga was the standout bowler, taking 4/35. Meanwhile, Sandeep Sharma and Jofra Archer picked up one wicket each, ensuring RR’s win.

Rana’s Explosive Knock Lays the Foundation

Earlier, RR opted to bat but lost Yashasvi Jaiswal (4) early to Ravichandran Ashwin. However, Nitish Rana turned the game around with a breathtaking innings. He smashed 81 off 36 balls, including 10 fours and 5 sixes.

Importantly, Rana built a 86-run partnership with Sanju Samson (20) before Samson fell to Noor Ahmad. Afterward, he added 38 runs with Riyan Parag before MS Dhoni caught him off Ashwin’s delivery.

Rajasthan Stumbles in the Middle Overs

After Rana’s dismissal, RR lost momentum. Dhruv Jurel (3) and Hasaranga (4) fell cheaply, while Parag contributed 37 before Pathirana bowled him out. As a result, RR was struggling at 166/6.

In the lower order, Jofra Archer departed for a duck, and Kumar Kartikeya managed just one run before getting run out. Meanwhile, Hetmyer, trying to push RR past 180, scored 19 off 16 balls before Pathirana dismissed him.

Eventually, Rajasthan Royals set a target of 183 runs, finishing at 182/9 in 20 overs.

CSK’s Bowlers Deliver Strong Performance

CSK’s bowlers were impressive. Pathirana (2/28), Noor Ahmad (2/28), and Khaleel Ahmed (2/38) took two wickets each, while Jadeja (1/10) and Ashwin (1/46) added one each.

Rajasthan Clinches First Win as CSK Falls Short

Despite a strong fightback by CSK, RR’s disciplined bowling and Hasaranga’s match-winning spell secured their first victory. Meanwhile, CSK will look to bounce back stronger in their next match.

Brief Score

Rajasthan Royals: 182/9 (Nitish Rana 81, Riyan Parag 37; Matheesha Pathirana 2/28)
Chennai Super Kings: 176/6 (Ruturaj Gaikwad 63, Ravindra Jadeja 32*; Wanindu Hasaranga 4/35)