As he has done countless times over the past few decades, one would often anticipate MS Dhoni to complete a run chase when he strikes in the final over. In Match 11 of the IPL 2025 at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati, however, a last-minute bowling change by Riyan Parag—passing the ball to Sandeep Sharma over Jofra Archer for the 20th over—turned out to be gold dust for the hosts, as the Rajasthan Royals secured a decisive victory.
CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad put RR in at bat first, and they scored 182 for nine wickets to open the encounter. In Match 10, Noor Ahmad regained the Purple Cap after briefly sharing it with Mitchell Starc, who claimed five wickets against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Due to Rachin Ravindra’s duck in the opening over, the pressure increased during the chase and continued to build throughout the innings, ultimately resulting in a narrow defeat.
Talking Points
1. CSK say ‘Mujhko Rana Ji Maaf Karna’
Losing Yashasvi Jaiswal in the first over was a big moment early in the game. However, Nitish Rana arrived at the crease and literally believed that if Yashasvi failed, I will be at my ‘neat-ish’ best. The Delhi-born batter played 36 balls, thundering his way to a brilliant 81-run knock. He literally became the difference between CSK and win, as his ten fours and five sixes set the platform for the Riyan Parag-led side.
2. ‘International’ Wanindu Hasaranga ‘fires’ with four
Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga did not do justice to his promotion with the bat. However, his leg-spin proved to be more than fatal for the Chennai side. In all of his four overs, he was hit for a six, and the ball following each of those accounted for a wicket. In all, Hasaranga scalped a quartet of CSK batters – Shivam Dube, Rahul Tripathi, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Vijay Shankar. His copybook ‘Pushpa’ celebration was put up on display after each of the wickets, as he literally breathed ‘fire’ in the middle.
3. Uncapped Player vs Uncapped Player – Battles of Bat vs Ball
Legendary MS Dhoni vs Underrated Sandeep Sharma. It was a battle royal on display in the final over, as CSK required 20 runs to win with Dhoni, the best finisher in the world, facing the over. Sandeep opened with a slower bouncer announced as a wide, but the first legal delivery got Dhoni heave his blade, only to get caught at long on. This dented the dreams of millions, including those in the stands and those watching on their screens. It is safe to say that the match ended right there, but the next five balls came for twelve runs, as CSK lost by six runs at the end.
Nitish Rana, Player of the Match, said
I was just trying to ultiise 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 bowlers 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.
Riyan Parag, RR captain, said
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 insitictive 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.
Ruturaj Gaikwad, CSK captain, said
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.
India
