In a remarkable turnaround from their disappointing chasing record this IPL season, Rajasthan Royals (RR) finished their campaign on a high by defeating Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by six wickets. A powerful bowling performance, led by Akash Madhwal and Yudhvir Singh, followed by a composed chase from Vaibhav Suryavanshi, helped RR secure a comfortable win with 17 balls to spare.
RR chased down CSK’s total of 187/8 with ease, ending at 188/4, thanks to key contributions from Suryavanshi (57 off 33), Sanju Samson (41), Yashasvi Jaiswal (36), and Dhruv Jurel (31* off 12). Madhwal (3/29) and Yudhvir (3/47) dismantled CSK’s batting lineup, making sure the Royals were not left chasing an unmanageable target.
Chennai Super Kings Stumble Early Against Ruthless RR Bowling
Chennai’s innings never really gained stability after a chaotic start. Losing five wickets within the first eight overs to regulation length balls that neither swung nor seamed left CSK reeling. The dismissals weren’t the result of fiery pace or vicious movement—it was just a string of poor shot selections and calculated risks that didn’t pay off. Yudhvir Singh capitalized on the pressure, claiming three crucial wickets.
A brief recovery came through a 56-run partnership between Ayush Mhatre (43 off 20) and R Ashwin, who came in at No. 4. Mhatre’s knock was full of intent, lifting deliveries over the infield with eight boundaries and a six. Even after the early collapse, CSK managed to maintain a run rate above 10 for a while.
Brevis and Dube Attempt CSK Rescue Mission
With CSK looking for new talent to rebuild their squad for the next season, Dewald Brevis has been a shining light. The South African batter contributed 42 off 25 balls and built a crucial 59-run partnership with Shivam Dube (39). Both batters tried to stabilize the innings and take CSK to a competitive total.
However, CSK’s late-order batting fell flat against some exceptional reverse swing bowling by RR in the death overs.
Akash Madhwal’s Reverse Swing Turns the Game
One of the defining factors of the match was Akash Madhwal’s mastery with the reversing ball. Introduced as late as the 12th over, Madhwal conceded 10 runs in his first two balls but quickly adjusted. Sensing reverse swing, he consistently delivered deadly yorkers and low full tosses, making scoring nearly impossible in the death overs.
His spell included eight perfectly executed yorkers, one of which dismissed Brevis with a swinging half-volley that took the inside edge. Tushar Deshpande also bowled tightly, and the final three overs yielded only 17 runs—keeping the target well within RR’s reach.
Yashasvi Jaiswal Sets the Tone for the Chase
RR’s chase began with flair. Jaiswal once again displayed his intent by hitting the first legal ball of the innings for a boundary—setting an IPL record. Though initially struggling for timing, Jaiswal quickly found his rhythm and raced to 36 off just 19 balls, capitalizing on a pitch perfect for batting.
Suryavanshi and Samson Calmly Anchor the Chase
After Jaiswal’s explosive start, Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Sanju Samson brought stability to the innings. Suryavanshi was aggressive from the start, smashing Noor Ahmad for boundaries and clearing the ropes twice off Ravindra Jadeja. He paced his innings beautifully, mixing power with caution.
Samson played the perfect supporting role. He tackled the one spinner Suryavanshi found tricky—former RR teammate R Ashwin—by hitting a six in each of his overs. Their partnership ensured that the asking rate remained under control.
Ashwin Sparks Hope, but Jurel Shuts the Door
Just as CSK sensed an opening in the 14th over—when Ashwin dismissed both Samson and Suryavanshi—Dhruv Jurel stepped in. The Royals still needed 50 runs, but Jurel’s fearless hitting erased any doubts.
He dismantled Jadeja with a six and a four, punished Noor with another boundary, and then launched Ashwin for a six in the next over. In a poetic end, the over that had once sparked hope for CSK became the final nail in their coffin—Ashwin conceded 18 runs, putting the result beyond doubt.
Shimron Hetmyer joined Jurel to finish the job, marking a rare occasion where both remained unbeaten after what had previously been a stumbling block for RR: finishing close games under pressure.
Rajasthan Royals Finish Strong, CSK Face Wooden Spoon Threat
With this win, RR momentarily moved up from the bottom of the IPL table, albeit their campaign was already over. For CSK, however, the loss deepened their troubles, leaving them needing a massive win in their final game to avoid finishing at the bottom for the first time in their illustrious history.
This match showcased RR’s potential when their bowling fires in sync and the batting unit shows composure. While it’s the end of the road for them this season, their performance against CSK offers a glimpse into what could have been—and what might lie ahead next season.
Key Takeaways:
- Akash Madhwal was the game-changer with his late-over reverse swing mastery.
- Vaibhav Suryavanshi displayed maturity and aggression in a match-winning half-century.
- Dhruv Jurel’s cameo ensured a smooth finish, proving RR’s young guns are ready for bigger challenges.
- CSK’s early collapse and inconsistent middle order highlighted major areas of concern for their future squad planning.
