Under stand-in skipper Riyan Parag, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) secured their first victory of the season with an exciting 6-run triumph against Chennai Super Kings in Guwahati to start their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 campaign. Despite scoring 182/9, Parag said his team’s bowling and fielding performances more than made up for their batting shortcomings.

“Even though it was just two games, it seemed quite lengthy. We still believe that we fell short by twenty. We swiftly lost a few wickets (in the middle overs). However, we bowled quite well. According to ESPNcricinfo, Parag said, “We had two difficult games, but the conversation was to forget those games, come with a fresh mindset, and have a good game collectively.”

Jofra Archer’s failure to complete his allotted number of overs was one of the most notable tactical choices. The benefit of having many bowling alternatives allowed for a situational decision, according to Parag.

“After evaluating the circumstances, I was fortunate to have seven possibilities. “I followed my instincts,” he said.
One of the main reasons for the Royals’ triumph, according to Parag, was their outstanding fielding effort. He highlighted the team’s dedication to raising their fielding skills and commended the efforts of their fielding coach, Dishant Yagnik.

“Our short runs are usually made up for by fielding. Our fielding coach, Dishant Yagnik, and I are training hard, and it’s paying off,” he said.

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. With two defeats and one victory, CSK is now ranked sixth.