Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals Clash in IPL 2025 Finale

As the IPL 2025 season nears its conclusion, the Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals prepare for a match that is more about pride than playoff hopes. Both teams, sitting at the bottom of the table, will look to finish strong and test new player combinations. With individual stakes high, players are eager to leave their mark as they gear up for the next season. The pitch at Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium promises to be favorable for batting, setting the stage for an exciting encounter.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 20, 2025, 19:30 IST

Match Preview

As the IPL 2025 season approaches its conclusion, the Chennai Super Kings are set to take on the Rajasthan Royals in a match that is primarily about pride. Both teams find themselves at the bottom of the standings, each with just six points. A defeat in this encounter would likely seal the fate of one team as the recipient of the dreaded 'wooden spoon' — a position no franchise aspires to hold.

End of Playoff Aspirations

The upcoming match at Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium no longer holds playoff implications for either side; that opportunity has long passed. Instead, the focus shifts to finishing above the last place and experimenting with new player combinations in anticipation of the next season.

Team Reflections

The Rajasthan Royals will reflect on their season with disappointment, having squandered several winning chances. Their choice to field a largely Indian batting lineup did not pay off, leading to inconsistent performances. Although they have discovered a promising player in Vaibhav Suryavanshi, it hasn't been sufficient to alter their trajectory.

Conversely, the Chennai Super Kings have struggled to replicate their past success. Despite relying on their established strategies early in the season, injuries, particularly to Ruturaj Gaikwad, and a lack of effectiveness in their bowling unit have hindered their campaign. Veteran players like Ravindra Jadeja and R. Ashwin have not made the desired impact, and younger talents have yet to step up. However, CSK is now shifting its focus to the future, providing opportunities to emerging players such as Rachin Ravindra and Rahul Tripathi.

Individual Stakes

Despite the match's lack of significance in the standings, individual players from both teams are keen to make an impression as they begin to strategize for the 2026 season. Personal milestones and reputations are still very much on the line.

Pitch Analysis

Experts Simon Doull and Graeme Swann have noted that the pitch is favorable for batting. The square boundaries are approximately 63 meters, while the straight boundaries measure around 72 meters. Although there are some rough patches and grass in the good-length area, the pitch is expected to perform consistently, similar to its condition two nights prior, with minimal spin and ample scoring chances.

Team Lineups

Rajasthan Royals Squad: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Sanju Samson(w/c), Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel, Wanindu Hasaranga, Kwena Maphaka, Tushar Deshpande, Akash Madhwal, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Shubham Dubey, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Kumar Kartikeya, Ashok Sharma, Kunal Singh Rathore, Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger, Maheesh Theekshana, Lhuan-dre Pretorius.

Chennai Super Kings Squad: Ayush Mhatre, Devon Conway, Urvil Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Dewald Brevis, MS Dhoni(w/c), Anshul Kamboj, Ravichandran Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Matheesha Pathirana, Shivam Dube, Deepak Hooda, Jamie Overton, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Vijay Shankar, Rahul Tripathi, Shreyas Gopal, Sam Curran, Rachin Ravindra, Mukesh Choudhary, Nathan Ellis, Shaik Rasheed, Andre Siddarth C.