In the 11th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, Rajasthan Royals (RR) took on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. The contest turned out to be a thriller where Rajasthan managed to overcome Chennai and register their first win of the tournament.
Nitish Rana’s fireworks propel Rajasthan Royals to a big total
After being asked to bat first, Rajasthan Royals faced early trouble as Yashasvi Jaiswal departed cheaply. Captain Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag played supporting roles, but the innings truly came alive with Nitish Rana’s sensational knock. The left-hander dismantled the CSK bowling attack, hammering 10 fours and five sixes at a staggering strike rate of 225. His 81 off 36 balls ensured RR reached a competitive total.
Riyan Parag (37 off 28) played a crucial second-fiddle role, while Shimron Hetmyer (19 off 16) provided some late fireworks. However, RR lost wickets in quick succession towards the end, with Khaleel Ahmed (2/38), Noor Ahmad (2/28), and Matheesha Pathirana (2/28) leading CSK’s fightback with the ball.
Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ravindra Jadeja keep CSK in fight
Chasing 183, CSK had a nightmare start as Rachin Ravindra fell for a duck. Rahul Tripathi and Ruturaj Gaikwad steadied the innings, with Gaikwad leading from the front. His 63 off 44 balls, studded with seven fours and a six, kept CSK in the hunt. Shivam Dube and Vijay Shankar chipped in with handy cameos, but it was Ravindra Jadeja who nearly took the game away with his composed 32 off 22.
With MS Dhoni at the crease in the final overs, CSK fans hoped for a magical finish. However, Rajasthan Royals’ bowlers held their nerve, with Wanindu Hasaranga emerging as the hero. His exceptional spell of 4/35 included the crucial wickets of Gaikwad and Jadeja, turning the tide in RR’s favor. Jofra Archer and Sandeep Sharma also contributed with tight spells, ensuring CSK fell just short at 176/6.
Rajasthan Royals seal a nail-biting victory
Despite a late flourish from Jamie Overton (11 off 4), CSK couldn’t cross the finish line, as RR bowlers executed their plans to perfection in the final overs. Hasaranga’s match-winning spell, supported by Archer’s early breakthroughs and disciplined bowling from Theekshana, helped RR clinch a thrilling six-run victory.
Also WATCH: Jake Fraser-McGurk pulls off a stunning catch to get rid of Aniket Verma in DC vs SRH 2025 IPL game
Here is how fans reacted:
TAKE A BOW, NITISH RANA. 🙇♂️
– 81 (36) with 10 fours and 5 sixes. A total blockbuster show by Rana in Guwahati. He played a stellar knock! 🤯🔥 pic.twitter.com/0MMBDUOTH1
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 30, 2025
Nitish Rana owning CSK we have seen that before. pic.twitter.com/eQzauVNsna
— KKR Vibe (@KnightsVibe) March 30, 2025
One of the best players of spin in IPL.
Welcome back Nitish Rana ♥️ pic.twitter.com/U38EO2GL1k— Anurag™ (@Samsoncentral) March 30, 2025
Nitish Rana 🔥#CSKvsRR pic.twitter.com/qqXu2xmg9V
— Desi Bhayo (@desi_bhayo88) March 30, 2025
Rajasthan Royals open their account in the points table#RRvCSK #T20 #IPL2025 #cricket #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/SjEOIM3uJP
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) March 30, 2025
All #RCB fans watching Nitish Rana bat at number 3 pic.twitter.com/z6ZPRjAwtH
— Erika Morris (@ErikaMorris79) March 30, 2025
21 ball 50* for #NitishRana.
What striking.🔥🔥#RRvsCSK #CSKvsRR #CSKvsRR pic.twitter.com/KMcs0BoplO
— Vivek Vikash (@imvivekvikash) March 30, 2025
Nitish Rana is very underrated player
I wished for MI to buy him in the auction pic.twitter.com/Bz6J4jsS0C— Anjan (@lone_melancholy) March 30, 2025
Nitish Rana was the best buy for RR, and that too for just 4.20 crores. I wanted RCB to buy him for the No. 3 position, but they didn’t. He is a very good player.
— Clutch GOD (@clutchgod018) March 30, 2025
RAJASTHAN ROYALS DEFEATED CHENNAI SUPER KINGS….!!!!
– First win for Riyan Parag as Captain. pic.twitter.com/wRduhqlesZ
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 30, 2025
HUM JEET GAYE 💗💗💗 pic.twitter.com/rF3aLI8cyy
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) March 30, 2025
