The IPL 2025 season has already given us some of the most thrilling matches we’ve seen so far—and the clash between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) was one of them.
That six-run victory for RR at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati was anything but a foregone conclusion.
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After their previous loss, CSK were looking to bounce back. But this result adds to their early struggles in the tournament. And that’s not what you want when you’re just starting out.
Put in to bat first after losing the toss, RR managed to post a very solid 182 for 9. Nitish Rana was the star of the show there—with an 81 off just 36 balls that included 10 fours and 5 sixes.
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That kind of form can get any team off to a flying start. Riyan Parag provided some steady support with 37 off 28 balls.
But CSK’s bowlers, particularly Matheesha Pathirana and Ravindra Jadeja, pulled things back in the death overs. They restricted RR from crossing that 190-mark. That was a turning point in the match.
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On the other side, CSK’s chase was led by their captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, who played a composed 63-run knock off 44 balls. But despite his efforts, the rest of the batting order just couldn’t accelerate at the required rate.
With 20 runs needed in the final over, CSK fell short. They managed only 14. RR’s Wanindu Hasaranga played a crucial role there, picking up four wickets for 35 runs. He derailed CSK’s middle order just when they looked set to take control.
That lack of momentum from CSK’s middle order—and the absence of impactful contributions from key players like Rahul Tripathi and Vijay Shankar—hurt their chances.
The decision to include Jamie Overton in place of Sam Curran didn’t work out as planned either. Overton just didn’t make a significant impact.
CSK’s bowling was disciplined for the most part, but they couldn’t contain Rana early on. That proved costly. MS Dhoni’s presence in the lower order brings experience and composure—but he wasn’t able to finish the game this time.
The hype around him remains, of course. But cricket is a team game—and CSK needs more players stepping up in those crunch moments. They had an achievable target—yet the lack of big hits in the final overs cost them dearly.
This defeat marks CSK’s second consecutive loss in IPL 2025—following their 50-run drubbing at the hands of Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Chepauk.
Head coach Stephen Fleming has already expressed concerns about the team’s performance—particularly their struggle to adapt to different pitch conditions.
With two losses in a row, CSK now faces the challenge of regaining their rhythm before falling too far behind in the points table. For RR, this win was a much-needed confidence booster.
Hasaranga’s spell in the middle overs turned the tide in their favor—and their ability to hold their nerves in the final overs ensured they got over the line.
But the problems for CSK go deeper than just this match.
No power-hitters in the Top 6: Their batting order lacks an explosive presence up front, making run chases an uphill battle.
Only finisher Thala Dhoni doesn’t want to bat: The one man with finishing ability seems reluctant to take charge, leaving CSK stranded in pressure situations.
No bowler who can make batsmen think twice: Their bowling lacks a genuine threat, allowing opposition batsmen to settle in too comfortably.
Thalapathy Jadeja is done for good: Ravindra Jadeja, once a match-winner, seems to have lost his edge, struggling to deliver impactful performances with both bat and ball.
Hopeless at chasing, yet keep winning the toss & choosing to chase: Despite repeated failures while chasing, CSK bizarrely continues to opt for it, putting themselves under unnecessary pressure.
Rajasthan Royals will take a lot of confidence from this hard-fought victory—proving their ability to handle pressure situations.
CSK will have to—and quickly—regroup, reassess their game plan and find that elusive balance in their XI.
Dhoni may still be an icon, but he can’t—and shouldn’t—be the one to save them every time. That responsibility falls on the younger players to step up and keep their team competitive.
As the tournament wears on, both teams will be looking to make a real statement in their upcoming matches.
Right now, RR is celebrating a hard-won victory. CSK, on the other hand, is searching for answers. And some of those answers might just come from within.
The IPL 2025 continues to deliver on its promise of edge-of-your-seat action. With more matches to come, expect the twists and turns that make this season so exciting to keep coming. And coming. And coming some more.
