The IPL 2025 campaigns of Chennai Super Kings CSK and RR Rajasthan Royals ended long ago, with both teams missing out on playoff spots and the related hopes fading.
It remains unclear whether these teams will play freely or focus on experimenting for next season. When they meet at Delhi’s neutral Arun Jaitley Stadium, attention will center on avoiding the wooden spoon, a spot neither wants to claim.
The two sides experienced contrasting seasons: Rajasthan Royals regret four close losses, while CSK struggled through their worst performance in 18 years.
Though team motivation may be low as the season wraps up, individual players from both sides will aim to make a strong impact, adding intrigue to an otherwise meaningless match.
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When: Tuesday, May 20, 7:30 PM IST
Where: Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals, Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
What to expect: Gujarat Titans recently chased 200 comfortably at this venue. Though conditions may vary on a different pitch, an aggressive yet conventional batting strategy remains key for success here.
Head to head: CSK leads historically with 16 wins to RR’s 14. However, since 2020, Rajasthan Royals have dominated, winning 7 of the last 9 encounters.
Team Watch:
Chennai Super Kings:
Injuries/Unavailability: English players Sam Curran and Jamie Overton remain absent after IPL suspension, missing the remainder of the season in India.
Tactics & Matchups: Sanju Samson has struggled to maintain a fast scoring rate against the spin duo of R. Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. Even on a smaller ground, their spin could challenge the Royals’ captain significantly.
Probable XI: Ayush Mhatre, Devon Conway, Urvil Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni, R Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Khaleel Ahmed, Nathan Ellis/Matheesha Pathirana
Rajasthan Royals
Injuries/Unavailability: No new updates on Rajasthan Royals’ squad since their last match against Punjab Kings on Sunday.
Tactics & Matchups: Ravindra Jadeja, promoted to No. 4 with a strike rate of 145.83, has struggled against spin, hitting only 102.9 against spinners since 2020. Despite the Royals’ weak spin attack this season, Riyan Parag’s offbreaks could be effective against the left-hander.
Probable XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Sanju Samson, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Wanindu Hasaranga, Kwena Maphaka, Tushar Deshpande, Kumar Kartikeya, Nandre Burger, Ashok Sharma/Shubham Dubey
Did you know?
Since his promotion to No. 4, Ravindra Jadeja has averaged 58.33 with an impressive strike rate of 145.83.
Nathan Ellis has been effective against Sanju Samson, dismissing him twice in just 11 balls while conceding only 12 runs.
Rajasthan Royals have struggled while chasing, losing 8 of their 9 chase games this season—including a Super Over defeat—setting a record for the most losses while chasing in IPL history.
Fazalhaq Farooqi is still searching for his first wicket in this IPL season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are CSK and RR struggling in IPL 2025?
Both Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals have faced inconsistent performances and missed key opportunities, leading to poor campaigns in IPL 2025.
What does “avoiding the wooden spoon” mean for CSK and RR?
The wooden spoon refers to finishing last in the league standings. Both teams aim to improve their final position and avoid this unwanted title.
How have CSK and RR performed against each other recently?
Since 2020, Rajasthan Royals have dominated, winning 7 out of 9 matches against CSK, although CSK leads the overall head-to-head record.
Which players are key for CSK and RR in their fight to avoid last place?
Players like Ravindra Jadeja and Nathan Ellis for CSK, and Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag for RR, will be crucial in shaping their teams’ fortunes.
What challenges do CSK and RR face ahead of the season’s end?
Both teams are dealing with inconsistent batting and bowling performances, plus key players missing due to injury or suspension.
Where will the CSK vs RR match take place?
The crucial match will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
Conclusion
Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals have had disappointing IPL 2025 campaigns, struggling to find consistency and missing playoff chances. As their seasons near the end, both teams face the pressure of avoiding the wooden spoon, making their upcoming encounters crucial.
While team motivation may be low, individual performances could provide exciting moments for fans. With key players stepping up and tactical battles unfolding, the clash at Arun Jaitley Stadium promises to be more than just a fight to avoid last place—it’s a chance for both sides to rebuild confidence and set the tone for the next season.
