By Sachit Subba • Cricket • Mar 31, 2026 01:40 AM • 35 views
Guwahati made its debut as a new venue, but Chennai Super Kings faced a familiar fate. Their lineup collapsed again under pressure, conceding a decisive eight-wicket loss to the Rajasthan Royals.
The pitch started tricky, but Vaibhav Suryavanshi shone. The 15-year-old made the chase effortless, as if on home ground.
The Collapse: Pace and Precision
Rajasthan won the toss and exploited the pitch, using pace to rip through Chennai’s top order. Nandre Burger struck first, dismissing Sanju Samson in the second over. Jofra Archer followed, bowling at 143 kph to remove Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Both openers scored only 6 runs. Trouble deepened as Ayush Mhatre departed for a golden duck, and stand-in Matthew Short struggled to settle. Chennai slumped to 38 for 4 after the power play.
Matters worsened as Ravindra Jadeja bowled against his former team. He trapped Sarfaraz Khan's leg before and forced Shivam Dube into a mistake in his first over, finishing with 2 for 18.
Jamie Overton fought back, scoring 43 from 36 balls and pushing Chennai to 127. It was a determined effort.
The Chase: Suryavanshi’s Blitz
Chennai needed early wickets, but Rajasthan’s young players hit back with aggression. Vaibhav Suryavanshi attacked Chennai’s bowlers with fearless shots, belying his age.
Suryavanshi reached fifty in 15 balls, deciding the match early with instinctive play.
With steady support from Yashasvi Jaiswal, unbeaten on 38, Suryavanshi’s rapid 52 sealed victory in 12.1 overs. Rajasthan not only won—they dominated.
With this win, Rajasthan moves to the top of the standings. Chennai must rethink its batting after another weak display.
