The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) faced off in Match 62 of IPL 2025 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, with both teams aiming to salvage pride at the end of a tough season. Rajasthan Royals emerged victorious, chasing down CSK’s 187/8 with 17 balls to spare, thanks to a mature half-century from 14-year-old sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi and strong support from captain Sanju Samson and the lower order
Match Summary
| Team | Score | Top Performers | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chennai Super Kings | 187/8 (20) | Ayush Mhatre (43), Dube (39) | Lost by 6 wickets |
| Rajasthan Royals | 188/4 (17.1) | Suryavanshi (57), Samson (41) | Won with 17 balls remaining |
First Innings: CSK Batting Struggles and Recovery
- Early Collapse: CSK were rocked early by Yudhvir Singh Charak, losing Devon Conway and Urvil Patel in the second over.
- Middle Order Resistance: Ayush Mhatre (43 off 27) and Ravichandran Ashwin (18) attempted a recovery with a half-century partnership, but wickets continued to fall at regular intervals.
- Late Surge: Dewald Brevis (43) and Shivam Dube (39) added crucial runs, but Akash Madhwal’s death bowling excellence restricted CSK to just 17 runs in the last three overs, leaving them at 187/8.
- Bowling Highlights (RR): Akash Madhwal and Yudhvir Singh both took three wickets each, keeping CSK in check during the death overs.
Second Innings: RR’s Chase Anchored by Youth and Experience
- Explosive Start: Yashasvi Jaiswal set the tone with a brisk 36 off 19 balls, attacking Khaleel Ahmed before falling to Anshul Kamboj.
- Match-Defining Partnership: Vaibhav Suryavanshi (57 off 33) and Sanju Samson (41 off 31) stitched together a 98-run partnership, keeping the required run rate under control and putting RR in a commanding position.
- Late Wobble and Finish: Both Samson and Suryavanshi fell in quick succession to Ravichandran Ashwin, but Shimron Hetmyer (31* off 12) and Dhruv Jurel (12* off 5) finished the chase in style, ensuring RR crossed the line with 17 balls to spare.
Key Moments & Turning Points
- Death Overs Bowling: Akash Madhwal’s reverse swing in the final overs was pivotal in restricting CSK to a below-par finish.
- Suryavanshi’s Composure: The 14-year-old’s mature approach, mixing calculated risks with clean hitting, drew praise from commentators and showcased the depth of RR’s youth talent.
- Ashwin’s Double Strike: Ravichandran Ashwin’s twin breakthroughs in the 15th over briefly threatened to derail RR’s chase, but the lower order held their nerve.
Stats & Standings Impact
- Rajasthan Royals: Finished their IPL 2025 campaign with four wins, breaking a three-match losing streak and ending ninth on the table.
- Chennai Super Kings: With this defeat, CSK are likely to finish last in the IPL table for the first time in their history, capping a disappointing season.
Player Analysis & Insights
Rajasthan Royals:
- Vaibhav Suryavanshi continues to impress with his temperament and shot selection, rapidly becoming a key figure in RR’s top order.
- Sanju Samson: Provided stability and intent, ensuring the chase never slipped out of control.
- Akash Madhwal & Yudhvir Singh: Their incisive spells at the death made a significant difference.
Chennai Super Kings:
- Ayush Mhatre & Dewald Brevis: Showed promise in the middle order, but lack of support from the top and lower order cost CSK.
- Ravichandran Ashwin: His experience shone through with a crucial double-wicket over, though it wasn’t enough to turn the tide.
Expert Takeaways
- RR’s Youth Policy Pays Off: The Royals’ investment in young talent like Suryavanshi is yielding results, offering hope for future campaigns.
- CSK’s Season to Forget: The Super Kings need a strategic overhaul, particularly in their top order and death bowling, to bounce back next year.
- Death Bowling Decides Margins: Both teams’ fortunes were shaped by their performance in the last five overs—RR’s bowlers executed better under pressure.
Conclusion
Rajasthan Royals ended IPL 2025 on a high, showcasing the promise of their young stars and finishing with a morale-boosting win. For Chennai Super Kings, the match summed up a season of missed opportunities and underperformance. As the IPL heads towards the playoffs, both teams will reflect on lessons learned and areas for improvement in the next edition