CSK vs RR: Dhoni’s Team Falls Short in Nail-Biting Finish

Guwahati: In the 11th match of the Indian Premier League 2025, the Rajasthan Royals team defeated Chennai Super Kings by 6 runs in the thrill of the last over. After two consecutive defeats, Rajasthan got its first win in the 18th season. In this match, after winning the toss, the Rajasthan team batted first and scored 182 runs. In response, despite playing a strong game, CSK could only score 176 runs for 6 wickets in 20 overs. In this way, the Rajasthan Royals team escaped a hat-trick of defeat in the 18th season.

Chennai Super Kings, who came out to chase the target in this match against Rajasthan, did not have a great start. In the very first over, opener batsman Rachin Ravindra was dismissed by Jofra Archer. After this, Rajasthan bowlers bowled tight, due to which the CSK team came under pressure at one time, but captain Ruturaj Gaikwad made the match exciting by playing a patient innings.

Mahi Magic did not work for CSK

For CSK, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad played an innings of 63 runs in 44 balls. As long as Gaikwad was at the crease, the match seemed to be in favor of CSK, but Wanindu Hasaranga dismissed him and created an opportunity for Rajasthan. After the captain was out, Mahendra Singh Dhoni himself came to the field to bat. Dhoni, who faced criticism for batting at number 9 against RCB, came at number 7 this time. When Dhoni came to the crease, CSK needed 54 runs in 25 balls to win. Dhoni came out to bat for the team in 15.5 overs. Sandeep Sharma bowled the 17th over of the innings for Rajasthan. In this over, Dhoni and Jadeja together scored only 9 runs for the team.

After this, Mahesh Tikshna also kept Dhoni and Jadeja tied and gave only 6 runs. In this way, CSK had to score 39 runs in 12 balls to win. In the 19th over of the innings, Dhoni and Jadeja changed their gear and put pressure on Rajasthan by scoring 19 runs against Tushar Deshpande. In the last over, the team now needed 20 runs, but Sandeep Sharma got Dhoni caught out on the second ball. As soon as Dhoni was out, Rajasthan once again came back in the match. Sandeep bowled well and conceded only 13 runs, which helped the team win by 6 runs.

Nitish Rana shone in Rajasthan's batting

Earlier, Nitish Rana showed amazing game in batting for Rajasthan. Nitish Rana scored 81 runs in 36 balls but Chennai Super Kings bowlers made a brilliant comeback and restricted Rajasthan Royals to 182 runs for nine wickets in the IPL match on Sunday. Nitish put pressure on Chennai bowlers and hit 10 fours and five sixes in his innings. Earlier, Chennai captain Ruturaj Gaikwad won the toss and decided to bowl.

Playing on his home ground, Royals captain Riyan Parag (37) hit two fours and two sixes but his innings lacked rhythm. Royals could only score 37 runs in the last five overs. But the good thing for the Royals is that since 2019, Chennai team has failed to chase a target above 180.

Rajasthan had a bad start

Royals did not have a good start in the match and after hitting a four on the first ball, opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed by Khalil. After this, Nitish and Sanju Samson (20) shared a 42-run partnership. Nitish played many shots like flick, pool, slog sweep. He completed his first fifty in just 21 balls. Royals scored 79 runs for one wicket in the powerplay which is their third highest score in the history of IPL.