Rajasthan Royals (RR) finally opened their account in IPL 2025 with a thrilling win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati. This much-needed victory helped RR climb up from the bottom of the points table while CSK faced their second consecutive defeat.

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After being put to bat first Rajasthan got off to a solid start despite Yashasvi Jaiswal falling cheaply for 4. The star of the innings was Nitish Rana who batted at No. 3 for the first time this season. He smashed a rapid 21-ball fifty and went on to score a blistering 81 off just 36 balls.

Sanju Samson (20) and Dhruv Jurel (3) couldn’t make much impact, but Rana’s sensational knock powered RR to a competitive total of 182.

Chennai Super Kings started their chase with hope, but RR’s disciplined bowling kept them in check. Ruturaj Gaikwad led CSK’s charge with a well-made 63 but his efforts weren’t enough as the team fell short marking another setback for them in the tournament.

Wanindu Hasaranga played a key role in RR’s bowling attack, picking up four wickets for just 35 runs dismantling CSK’s middle order and ensuring their chase never gained momentum.

What They Said After the Match

Ruturaj Gaikwad | CSK Batter:

"Obvious in the Power Play (the key moment in the game). Nitish batted well and we were not proactive knowing he was going behind square and we should have made him play in front of the wicket. 8-10 runs through misfields as well. We are trying to improve there. 180 was chasable. Still a good wicket if you hit the pockets. I was really happy at the innings break. They were looking good for 210, but 180 was chasable. (About him batting at No. 3) Over the years Ajinkya batted at 3 and Rayudu was taking care of middle-overs. We thought it would be better if I came a bit late to take care of the middle overs and Tripathi can bat aggressively at the top. Anyway it doesn't matter because I am getting to bat early in the three games (smiles). It was decided during the auction time and I don't have any problem with that. I can take risks when needed and rotate strike. Unfortunately we have not been getting the good starts but once we get that things will be different. (Positives) Noor as usual bowling well, Khaleel bowling well and Jaddu bhai bowled well as well. You need some momentum in the bowling department. I think once everything comes together and we have the momentum we will be a really good side."

Riyan Parag | RR Captain:

"Feels good. Took some time, it was two games but felt long. Felt we were 20 short. We were going well in the middle overs but lost a couple of quick wickets. But we bowled very well. The bowlers stepped up and executed our collective plans. We have had two tough games, going for 280 and then not being able to defend around 180 in the second game. Luckily had a few options in this game, me and Nitish were also there. Just did what felt instinctive as a captain today. Fielding makes up for the 20 runs that we were short. We have been working with Dishant Yagnik, our fielding coach. So it shows."

Nitish Rana | Player of the Match:

"I was just trying to utilize the new ball. The powerplay was important as the older ball turns and stops. I wanted to play the field, rather than the wicket or the bowler. Whenever fine leg or third-man was up, I just had to use the bowler's pace. I felt I was hitting the ball too hard in the previous two games, that is something I analysed and changed today. (On him batting at 3) It was a tactical move today from the coaches. It was suggested by them, I am okay to bat at any position. We had a conversation in the dressing room between Rahul Dravid and Vikram Rathour, and it was decided that I will bat at three today."