Guwahati (Assam) [India]: Rajasthan Royals (RR) began their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 campaign with a thrilling 6-run victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Guwahati. Despite a stunning 81 off 36 balls from Nitish Rana, CSK’s bowlers made a strong comeback, restricting RR to 182/9. However, their batting lineup fell short in the chase, leaving captain Ruturaj Gaikwad reflecting on the key moments that cost them the game.
Speaking after the match, Gaikwad admitted that CSK needed to be more proactive, particularly during Rana’s explosive innings.
“In the powerplay, during their batting, Nitish [Rana] batted well, but we were not proactive. He was going behind square, so we had to be more ahead. It is always about one hit, and we were one hit away from crossing the line. We gave 8-10 runs in misfields, and that is something we are looking to improve but that is something that is costing us,” Gaikwad said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
Despite the defeat, the CSK skipper remained optimistic about their batting strategy and praised the team’s bowling effort in the latter half of Rajasthan’s innings.
“180 was chaseable. It was still a good wicket. If you timed the ball well, it was a good wicket. I was happy towards the end of the innings, after the score they had in the powerplay, they were looking at 220-230,” he added.
Gaikwad also addressed his batting position and the team’s strategy, particularly the decision to allow Rahul Tripathi to take on an aggressive role while he moved down the order.
“Over the years, we had Ajinkya batting at 3 and Rayudu taking care of the middle order. We thought it is better I come back one step. Rahul is known for playing aggressive roles and he can free himself up. Not much difference anyway, so I am getting to bat in the first or second over itself (smiles). Till now, no discussions have happened about me batting at three. It was decided during the auction time and I was convinced about that. I have no problem. I can take risks, rotate strike when needed – that is what you want when you have Shivam [Dube],” Gaikwad explained.
He also highlighted the positives in CSK’s bowling attack, praising Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, and Ravindra Jadeja while emphasizing the importance of improving fielding to build pressure on opponents.
“Lots of positives – Noor, as usual, bowling well, Khaleel is bowling well, and Jaddu bhai bowled well. You need that sort of momentum in the bowling department when you get a wicket to build pressure. Not happening since the last game. Once fielding comes together, we will be a really good side,” he concluded.
Match Summary
CSK won the toss and opted to bowl first. After Jaiswal’s early dismissal, an 82-run stand between Sanju Samson (20 off 16 balls, with a four and a six) and Nitish Rana (81 off 33 balls, with six fours and six sixes) provided momentum to RR. Later, skipper Riyan Parag (37 off 28 balls, with two fours and two sixes) played a steady knock, but wickets kept falling at the other end. Rajasthan eventually posted 182/9 in 20 overs.
For CSK, Noor Ahmed and Matheesha Pathirana were the standout bowlers, both picking up two wickets, while Khaleel Ahmed also impressed with figures of 2/38.
In response, CSK had a shaky start, losing Rachin Ravindra for a duck. A 46-run partnership between Rahul Tripathi (23 off 19 balls) and Ruturaj Gaikwad helped stabilize the innings. However, quick wickets, including those of Shivam Dube (18 off 10 balls) and Vijay Shankar (9 off 6 balls), left CSK at 92/4. Gaikwad fought hard with a 63-run knock off 44 balls, but his dismissal at 129/5 in 15.5 overs turned the tide in RR’s favor.
Despite late efforts from MS Dhoni (16 off 10 balls), Ravindra Jadeja (32* off 22 balls), and Jamie Overton (11* off 4 balls), CSK fell short by six runs, ending at 176/6 in 20 overs.
Wanindu Hasaranga starred with the ball for RR, claiming 4/35, while Sandeep Sharma and Jofra Archer picked up a wicket each.
With this win, Rajasthan Royals secured their first points of the season, placing them at ninth in the table, while CSK currently stands seventh with one win and two losses.
CSK will now look to regroup and improve their execution as they prepare for their next game against Delhi Capitals on April 5 in Chennai.