3 talking points from the RR vs CSK IPL 2025 match: Check updated IPL 2025 points table

Rajasthan Royals have finally opened their victory account in IPL 2025. Riyan Parag, as a captain, has won his first battle as CSK fell 6 runs short in the chase. Finding their path back after a disheartening defeat in the CSK vs RCB match, Chennai made some changes to the combination for the Guwahati fixture. However, Rajasthan impressed in patches, taking the nail-biter home in the RR vs CSK IPL 2025 match. Their next fixture will now witness Sanju Samson returning to his captaincy post, as updated ahead of the start of the season. Chennai Super Kings, meanwhile, have now lost their second consecutive match after starting off with a 4-wicket victory against arch-rivals Mumbai Indians in the campaign opener at home.

RR vs CSK IPL 2025: Rajasthan hold the fort to pick the first win of the season

Fell once. Fell twice. Gave it out all to come back tonight 🔥💗 pic.twitter.com/epacwzenVu

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) March 30, 2025

RR vs CSK: Nitish Rana's 81 provides RR with a strong foundation

Ruturaj Gaikwad won the toss and opted to bowl first in Guwahati. Rajasthan Royals, however, redeemed their batting performance as Nitish Rana earned a promotion in the batting order. Thrashing Ravi Ashwin for 19 runs in an over in the powerplay, Rana powered to a 21-ball half-century, his fastest in the league. Rana's slaughter didn't slow down even when the Noor Ahmad-MS Dhoni duo scripted another stumping to dismiss Sanju Samson. The momentum came into CSK's clutch only after Nitish Rana departed at 81 off 36. Rana's charge pushed RR's total past 180 even when the team collapsed in the death.

CSK's resurgence in the death to restrict RR below the 200-run mark

The dent made by Nitish Rana in the opening innings was felt hard by CSK bowlers, amplified by some dropped catches. However, Matheesha Pathirana triggered a collapse at the end by dismissing RR captain Riyan Parag in the 18th over of the game. RR, from there, lost four wickets in a matter of 13 runs, as the home team wrapped up the innings at a total of 182. While CSK managed to keep the score below the 200-run mark, the stats showed that the five-time champions have never chased a 180+ run total since 2019.

Jofra Archer set the tone in the opening over, Ruturaj Gaikwad tries but CSK fall 6-run short

To make the climb even steeper for CSK and shatter their aim right at the start, Jofra Archer produced a scintillating opening over. Setting up and grilling Rachin Ravindra for the first three balls of the chase, Archer forced the opener to nick one out as Rachin departed for a four-ball duck. The opening over by Archer was the first maiden over recorded in the ongoing edition. Ruturaj Gaikwad came in next. While Rahul Tripathi struggled at the other end, Gaikwad settled in to find his rhythm despite coping with a nasty blow to his elbow.

The middle-order woes remained the same for CSK despite replacing Deepak Hooda with Vijay Shankar. Shivam Dube tried but departed at 18 off 10 as Hasaranga hit form at Barsapara. Gaikwad seemed like the only one carrying CSK's hopes in the game, finding timely boundaries to reach his half-century. However, a miscalculated attempt at a six concluded Gaikwad's charge at 63 off 44.

MS Dhoni™️

Watch the LIVE action on JioHotstar!#IPLonJioStar 👉 #RRvCSK | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 2, Star Sports 2 Hindi & JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/0Rhrp7PfLU

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 30, 2025

Complaints, hues, and cries from the CSK vs RCB IPL 2025 match were all heard as MS Dhoni came above Ravi Ashwin in the batting order. Ravindra Jadeja had settled in as hopes were kept alive. Dhoni found some boundaries, managing a six and an over to take the match to the last over. With a six by Jadeja on the last ball of the penultimate over, CSK needed 20 off 6 in the last over. 

However, Sandeep Sharma was called to repeat his heroics from IPL 2023 against Dhoni. The seamer delivered yet again as Dhoni lost his wicket with a terrific catch by Hetmyer in the deep. Jamie Overton hit a six to keep the chase alive till two balls remained. However, Sandeep Sharma held tight as RR picked up their first win of the season, beating CSK by 6 runs.

IPL 2025 Points Table