Madhwal and Suryavanshi Guide Rajasthan Royals to Season-Ending Win Over CSK
Rajasthan Royals (RR) concluded their 2025 Indian Premier League campaign on a positive note, defeating the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by six wickets in their final league match on Tuesday, May 20th. An effective bowling performance, by Akash Madhwal, restricted Chennai to a manageable total, which Rajasthan chased down comfortably, spearheaded by a composed half-century from young opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi.
Chennai Innings
Opting to bowl first, Rajasthan Royals witnessed an action-packed start as Chennai Super Kings lost five early wickets despite some aggressive batting. Ayush Mhatre (43 off 20 balls) and R Ashwin, promoted to number four, attempted to provide impetus. Later, Dewald Brevis continued his impressive form with 42 off 25 deliveries, sharing a 59-run stand with Shivam Dube for the sixth wicket, which kept CSK on track for a competitive score. However, Rajasthan's bowlers, particularly Akash Madhwal (3/29) and Yudhvir Singh (3/47), made crucial breakthroughs. Madhwal, introduced late, utilised reverse swing effectively, bowling numerous yorkers and conceding only 17 runs in the final three overs while also dismissing the dangerous Brevis. This effort helped restrict CSK to 187 for 8.
Rajasthan Chase
Rajasthan Royals' pursuit of 188 began briskly with Yashasvi Jaiswal hitting 36 off 19 balls. Following his departure, 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi played with notable maturity, anchoring the chase with a well-crafted 57 off 33 deliveries. He shared a significant partnership with Captain Sanju Samson (41), who contributed effectively, ensuring RR stayed ahead of the required rate. Although R Ashwin claimed two wickets in an over to create a brief flutter, dismissing Samson and Suryavanshi, Dhruv Jurel arrived to play an explosive cameo. Jurel smashed an unbeaten 31 off just 12 balls, hitting crucial boundaries to ensure Rajasthan reached the target without further alarm.
This victory, achieved with 17 balls to spare, momentarily lifted Rajasthan Royals from the bottom of the points table as they concluded their season. For Chennai Super Kings, the defeat leaves them needing a significant win in their final match to avoid finishing last in the IPL for the first time in their history. Rajasthan's bowlers, particularly Madhwal's late spell, set the foundation for a chase that was then expertly managed by their young and experienced batsmen.
