In Guwahati, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) defeated Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by an exciting margin of 6 runs to start their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season.

Nitish Rana scored a scorching 81 off 36 balls, but CSK rallied with the ball and held the Royals to 182/9. Ruturaj Gaikwad, the captain, had to consider the crucial moments that lost them the game when their batting unit failed in the chase.

Gaikwad acknowledged in his post-match remarks that CSK might have played more aggressively in the field, particularly during Rana’s brilliant innings.
“Nitish [Rana] batted effectively on their powerplay, but we didn’t take the initiative.

We needed to be farther ahead of him since he was moving behind square. We were only one hit away from going over the line, and it’s always about one hit. We are hoping to improve on the 8–10 runs we gave up in misfields, but it is hurting us,” Gaikwad said, according to ESPNcricinfo.

The captain of CSK expressed optimism about their batting strategy in spite of the defeat and gave his bowlers credit for their hard work in the second half of Rajasthan’s innings.

“180 might be pursued. Still, that was a decent wicket. It was an excellent wicket if you timed the ball well. After their powerplay score, they were looking at 220-230, which made me pleased at the conclusion of the innings,” he said.

Gaikwad also discussed the team’s strategy and his batting position, namely the choice to have Rahul Tripathi play aggressively as he went down the order.

“Over the years, Rayudu handled the middle order while Ajinkya batted at number three. We decided it would be best if I took a step back. Rahul can let go and is renowned for portraying tough characters.

I get to bat in the first or second over itself since there isn’t much of a difference anyway (smiles). There haven’t been any conversations regarding my hitting at three up to this point. I was persuaded that it was settled during the bidding period. I don’t have any issues. When you have Shivam [Dube], you want someone who can take chances and switch up strikes when necessary,” Gaikwad said.

The skipper of CSK also praised their bowling attack, highlighting the efforts of Ravindra Jadeja, Khaleel Ahmed, and Noor Ahmad in particular. But in order to put more pressure on opponents, he underlined the need of improved fielding.

“Many positives: Jaddu bhai bowled well, Khaleel is bowling well, and Noor is bowling well as usual. When you get a wicket, you need that kind of bowling momentum to increase pressure. Not since the previous game. “We will be a really good side once fielding gets together,” he said.

CSK will now concentrate on enhancing their performance in order to recover in their next matchup against the Delhi Capitals on April 5 in Chennai, as they have a long travel ahead of them and an opportunity to reset.

After winning the toss, CSK decided to bowl first in the match. An 82-run partnership between Sanju Samson (20 in 16 balls, with a four and a six) and Nitish Rana (81 in 33 balls, with six fours and six fours) followed Jaiswal’s early dismissal. One end was later held firm by captain Riyan Parag (37 in 28 balls, with two fours and two sixes), but he continued to run out of partners. RR was ultimately limited to 182/9 in their 20 overs.

For CSK, Noor Ahmed and Matheesha Pathirana (2/28) were the best bowlers. For CSK, Khaleel Ahmed (2/38) also had a superb stint.

CSK lost Rachin Ravindra for a duck early in the run-chase. Then followed a 46-run partnership between captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rahul Tripathi (23 in 19 balls, with two fours and a six). CSK was reduced to 92/4 after Vijay Shankar (nine in six balls) and Shivam Dube (18 in 10 balls, with a four and two sixes) fell early.

With seven fours and a six, Gaikwad managed to hit a valiant 63 in 44 balls, but his dismissal sent CSK out at 129/5 in 15.5 overs. Despite the best efforts of Jamie Overton (11* in four balls, with a six), Ravindra Jadeja (32* in 22 balls, with two fours and a six), and MS Dhoni (16 in 10 balls, with a four and a six), CSK lost by six runs at 176/6 in their 20 overs.

Sandeep Sharma and Jofra Archer each claimed a wicket, but Wanindu Hasaranga (4/35) was RR’s best bowler.

With this victory, RR is now in ninth place in the standings and has two points in front of their name. CSK has two defeats and one victory, placing them in sixth place.