Rajasthan Royals finally broke their losing streak in IPL 2025 with a thrilling six-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings on Sunday, thanks to a collective effort from Nitish Rana and Wanindu Hasaranga. After losing their first two matches under the captaincy of Riyan Parag, the Royals needed a strong comeback, and they delivered just that at the right moment.
The game saw some electrifying moments, but one that stood out for Nitish Rana was Riyan Parag’s one-handed blinder at cover to dismiss Shivam Dube. "I believe Riyan’s catch at cover was a crucial turning point in the game," said Rana at the post-match conference, emphasizing that fielding brilliance often plays as big a role as batting or bowling performances in T20 cricket.
Nitish himself played a stellar knock, smashing an explosive 81 off just 36 balls, propelling Rajasthan Royals to a competitive 182/9. The fireworks continued with Wanindu Hasaranga spinning a web around CSK’s batting lineup, claiming four crucial wickets that strangled the opposition’s chase. It wasn’t just these two stars—there were several flashes of individual brilliance that contributed to Rajasthan’s first win of the season.
When asked about Riyan Parag’s leadership, Nitish, who has prior captaincy experience with Kolkata Knight Riders, dismissed the idea of judging a captain solely based on match results. "It’s very result-oriented. People shower praise when things go right, but T20 is about winning small battles—using the right bowlers at the right time, setting the right fields, and executing plans strategically. Riyan is doing a good job," he remarked.
He also credited the Royals' team management, particularly regular skipper Sanju Samson and the coaching staff, for creating an environment where players remain composed, irrespective of match outcomes. "The dressing room atmosphere is calm, thanks to Sanju and the coaches. We focus on processes rather than panicking after losses, and that mindset helped us stay confident despite the first two games not going our way," he added.
A key tactical tweak on Sunday was the reshuffling of the batting order, with Nitish moving up to No. 3 while Riyan Parag dropped down. This move proved crucial, allowing Nitish to make the most of the powerplay and play his natural attacking game. "A day before the match, Rahul sir called me and informed me that I would be batting at No. 3. I wasn’t feeling well that day and skipped practice, but I was ready to step up for the team. The change in approach helped, and I realized that in the previous matches, I was trying to hit too hard instead of playing smartly," he explained.
Parag also played a role in preparing Nitish for his new batting slot. "Riyan mentioned to me that I might be needed at No. 3, and I immediately agreed. I am always ready to bat anywhere the team needs me," Rana said. This flexibility in batting positions is a crucial asset in T20 cricket, where adaptability often determines success.
Reflecting on his innings, Rana spoke about his calculated aggression and how he adjusted his batting to suit the conditions. "Today, I focused on using the pace of the new ball rather than forcing big hits. That approach worked well, and I was able to play freely, ensuring we put up a competitive total," he said.
Although Rajasthan got off to a flying start, there was a brief phase in the middle overs where the momentum slowed down. When asked if the team could have pushed past the 200-run mark, Rana admitted, "There was no specific target, but in T20 cricket, you can’t bat in the same gear from start to finish. The game has different phases, and things tend to slow down in the middle overs. I thought we were 10-15 runs short, but on this wicket, 180 was still a good score."
Bowling, however, played an equally significant role in securing the win. Jofra Archer set the tone right from the start, delivering a wicket-maiden over that immediately put CSK under pressure. "Credit goes to Jofra for his excellent bowling in the Powerplay. That spell was as crucial as any batting performance. Once the Powerplay is over, the ball gets older, starts spinning, and the scoring rate naturally drops," Rana pointed out.
Ultimately, it was a well-rounded effort from the Royals that ensured they got their first points on the board. With the right mix of attacking batting, sharp fielding, and disciplined bowling, Rajasthan showed they are capable of bouncing back stronger. If they can continue this momentum, the IPL 2025 season might just turn around in their favor.
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