Xtra Time Web Desk: In a thrilling encounter at Chepauk, Rajasthan Royals defeated Chennai Super Kings for the first time since 2008 in the Indian Premier League, securing a three-run win and storming to the top of the points table in the ongoing IPL 2023 season. Chasing 176 runs to win, CSK had a solid start with Devon Conway (50 off 38) and Ajinkya Rahane (31 off 19), but a middle-order collapse led by the Royals’ bowlers turned the tide. Requiring 21 runs to win off the final over bowled by Sandeep Sharma, MS Dhoni (32 off 17) and Ravindra Jadeja (25 off 15) failed to take the team home, falling short by 3 runs.
Earlier, Rajasthan Royals made a bold move by sending Devdutt Padikkal at No.3, who played aggressively for his 38 runs off 26 balls and formed a crucial partnership with Jos Buttler (52 off 36). However, Ravindra Jadeja’s special over for CSK, where he took two wickets, including that of Padikkal, shifted the momentum in favor of CSK. Rajasthan Royals then struggled with their batting lineup as R Ashwin’s struggles and Buttler’s dismissal impacted their rhythm. Shimron Hetmyer (30 off 18) tried to provide a push lower down the order, but CSK’s bowlers made a strong comeback to restrict RR to a moderate total.
Overall, it was a thrilling contest with both teams displaying quality spin bowling, but Rajasthan Royals’ bowlers ultimately pegged back CSK’s chase and secured a crucial win, taking them to the top of the points table in the 2023 IPL.