MS Dhoni pulled off yet another lightning-fast stumping after a smart tactical move from R Ashwin led to Nitish Rana’s dismissal in the IPL 2025 clash between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Sunday.
Nitish, who was in sensational form, smashed 81 off just 36 balls before falling victim to Ashwin’s strategic delivery. During the 12th over of Rajasthan’s innings, Nitish stepped out of his crease to launch a big shot, but Ashwin bowled a wide delivery outside the off stump. The batter missed it entirely, allowing Dhoni to complete an effortless stumping.
Watch the video here:
R. Ashwin got his man Nitish Rana 81(36)
One of the worse match with ball for Ash 4-46-1#IPL2025 #csk #Dhoni pic.twitter.com/NmjPq6AKV3
— Arv (@Arv922137579481) March 30, 2025
CSK Looks to Bounce Back After RCB Defeat
Just 48 hours after suffering a rare home loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Chepauk, CSK returned to action in Guwahati, aiming to regain momentum. Given the spin-friendly conditions at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, CSK’s spinners looked poised to make a stronger impact than they did against RCB.
Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals were still searching for their first win of the season. After losing their opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad, they suffered another defeat against Kolkata Knight Riders at home.
Captains Share Their Strategies at the Toss
After winning the toss, CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad opted to bowl first.
“Looks a good wicket, better than the last game that was played here, so we’ll look to chase. So far, so good; it was a quick turnaround, very little time for us, but that’s how the IPL is. We have to be ready. We have come here for the first time as a franchise; it’s good to see all the love we’ve got. Two changes: Overton is in for Curran, and Vijay Shankar is in as well,” Gaikwad said.
On the other hand, Rajasthan Royals’ stand-in captain Riyan Parag, playing in his hometown, was thrilled to lead the side in front of a home crowd.
“Would’ve done the same as well. My hometown, been brought up here and played a lot of cricket here. It is a surreal feeling to play in front of all these people. We’ve done well in small bits, it’s about coming together and putting up a collective performance. Same team for us,” Parag stated.
Playing XIs for CSK vs RR
Chennai Super Kings:
Rachin Ravindra, Rahul Tripathi, Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Vijay Shankar, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (w), Ravichandran Ashwin, Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, Matheesha Pathirana
Rajasthan Royals:
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, Nitish Rana, Riyan Parag (c), Dhruv Jurel (w), Shimron Hetmyer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Sandeep Sharma, Tushar Deshpande
