New Delhi: MS Dhoni on strike. 20 runs were needed from the final over. Thousands of thunderstorms weight of expectations from CSK fans. A nightmare landscape for any bowler, but Sandeep Sharma, a medium-passer of Rajasthan Royals, rose with steel veins on the occasion.
Defending the clan against the supreme last-over finisher is not a small task, and was stressful for stress as Sandeep was handed over the ball for the final. He started with a wide, added to the drama, but surrounded the crowd of Guwahati in silence.
At the next delivery, Sandeep bowled a low full toss, and Dhoni made a concrete contact while trying muscles on the leg side. But the Shimron Hetmyer, posted in deep mid-wicket, sprinkled to its left and pulled a stunning low catch. The stadium, which had exploded in the first few moments, fell into a terrible fate as Dhoni stood distressed, processing his dismissal.
Sandeep, overwhelmed over a moment, looked at his hands, thanking the Almighty. His colleagues participated to celebrate, knowing that he has sealed an important victory. Rajasthan Royals conquered Dhoni factor, in which the match was scoring six runs.
CSK fans had expected a vintage Dhoni-Jadeja Rescue Act with 45 required 45 in the last three overs.
As part of the investigation to bat at number 9 in the last match, Dhoni promoted himself to number 7 this time, but struggled to find Seema. In the 18th over, Mahesh Thekshana bowled, he faced three delivery and managed only three runs, increasing the pressure.
Finally the spark came when Dhoni instigated Tushar Deshpande for a limit for a border with the first ball and followed him with a huge six. The crowd found its voice again as CSK needed 20 to 20 off the last six balls.
Along with Dhoni throughout the flow, many people believed that the script was determined for another magical finish. But Sandeep Sharma had other schemes. Keeping his composition in mind, he executed his delivery for perfection, started with Dhoni’s dismissal and CSK to ensure that he never recovered from a shock.
Earlier in the match, Rajasthan Royals posted 182/9, led by 37 of Ryan Parag and Nitish Rana’s explosive 81. Despite the 63 of CSK, Ruturaj Gikwad, thanks to Sandeep’s talent at the time of death, the bus was reduced.
With this exciting win, Rajasthan Royals gained significant pace and will now focus on their next struggle against Punjab Kings on Saturday.
Get the latest IPL 2025 update on Times of India, including match schedule, team squad, point table and IPL Live Score for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBK and RR. Do not remember the list of players in the race for IPL Orange Cap and IPL Purple Cap.
