RR vs CSK IPL 2025: What was the Turning Point as Rajasthan Royals edge Chennai Super Kings?

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RR vs CSK: Rajasthan Royals (RR) secured a thrilling 6-run victory over Chennai Super Kings in a closely contested IPL 2025 match at the Barsapara Stadium on Sunday. Nitish Rana's explosive 81 off 36 balls gave Rajasthan a solid total of 182 runs in the first innings.

Jofra Archer's fiery new-ball spell immediately put CSK on the back foot in the run-chase, dismissing Rachin Ravindra for a duck. Ruturaj Gaikwad fought back with a determined half-century, but Rajasthan's Wanindu Hasaranga applied constant pressure, picking up crucial wickets with his deceptive googlies.

With 45 runs needed off the last three overs, Dhoni and Jadeja tried to accelerate the chase but fell short towards the end as the 5-time champions finished on 176/6.

RR vs CSK: What was the Turning Point of the Match?

When Ruturaj Gaikwad was sent back to the pavilion after scoring a gutsy 63 off 44 to keep CSK in contention, the responsibility fell to MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja to take the game forward. The duo smashed Tushar Deshpande for 19 runs in the penultimate over, leaving 20 runs to chase in the 20th. Anyone would expect Jofra Archer to bowl the crucial over as he went for just 13 in 3 overs, picking up a solitary wicket.

But Riyan Parag had other ideas, he gave the ball to Sandeep Sharma, who was considerably expensive. But this move turned out to be the turning point as he removed MS Dhoni, who was looking in perfect mood to finish off the game. He did concede 12 runs but made sure Chennai didn't cross the finishing line.

After losing back-to-back matches, Parag can now let out a sigh of relief as his team finally register a win in the ongoing tournament. This also happens to be his first win as skipper in the Indian Premier League as well.