Guwahati, March 30 – Rajasthan Royals (RR) secured their first win of IPL 2025 with a nail-biting 6-run victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in a high-voltage clash on Sunday. Nitish Rana’s explosive 81-run knock powered Rajasthan to a competitive 182, while CSK fell just short despite a valiant effort from skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ravindra Jadeja.
The match, held in Guwahati, kept fans on the edge of their seats till the final delivery, reaffirming the unpredictable charm of IPL.
Rana’s Heroics Guide Rajasthan to 182
After losing the toss and being put in to bat, Rajasthan Royals had a rocky start as opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed on the second ball. However, Nitish Rana turned the tide with a blistering 81 off just 36 balls, including clean hitting and aggressive strokeplay.
Rana partnered with skipper Sanju Samson (20 off 18) for a crucial 82-run stand in just 42 balls. Later, local favorite Riyan Parag added 37 runs, but his innings lacked fluency. Shimron Hetmyer’s late cameo (19 off 16) ensured that Rajasthan posted a solid 182 in their 20 overs.
CSK’s bowling unit was led by Noor Ahmad, who claimed 2 wickets for 28 runs. Matheesha Pathirana also impressed in the death overs, finishing with 2 for 28. Khaleel Ahmed picked up two early wickets but conceded 38 runs.
CSK Fall Short Despite Gaikwad’s Grit
Chasing 183, Chennai Super Kings got off to a steady start. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad anchored the innings with a composed 63 off 44 balls, hitting crisp boundaries and rotating the strike effectively. Rahul Tripathi (23), Shivam Dube (18), and MS Dhoni (16) chipped in with handy runs.
In the final over, CSK needed 20 runs off 6 balls with Dhoni and Jadeja at the crease. The drama intensified as Dhoni smashed a six off the first ball but fell on the very next delivery to Sandeep Sharma. Despite Jadeja’s unbeaten 32, CSK could only manage 16 runs in the final over, falling short by just 6 runs.
Wanindu Hasaranga Shines with the Ball
Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga was the standout performer with the ball for Rajasthan, grabbing 4 wickets and dismantling CSK’s middle-order. Jofra Archer and Sandeep Sharma took one wicket apiece and bowled tight spells at crucial stages.
Key Highlights:
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Nitish Rana: 81 (36) – Match-winning knock for RR
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Ruturaj Gaikwad: 63 (44) – Captain’s knock in a losing cause
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Wanindu Hasaranga: 4/xx – Best bowling figures of the match
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RR posted 182/6; CSK finished at 176/7
This win marks a crucial comeback for Rajasthan Royals, who had been struggling to find form. For CSK, the narrow defeat highlighted areas of concern in their middle-order batting and finishing abilities under pressure.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
