Rajasthan Royals’ stand-in skipper, Riyan Parag, produced a game-changing moment with a stunning diving catch to dismiss Chennai Super Kings’ Shivam Dube in their IPL 2025 clash at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Sunday. CSK looked threatening as Dube, brought in as the impact substitute, was taking on the spinners with aggressive stroke play.
However, Wanindu Hasaranga lured him into one shot too many. Attempting another big hit, Dube lofted the ball towards the cover region, where Parag timed his dive to perfection, completing a sensational low catch. His aggressive celebration afterward highlighted how crucial the dismissal was for the Royals.
Hasaranga was the star with the ball, finishing with three wickets and an over to spare. The Sri Lankan leg-spinner removed Rahul Tripathi, Dube, and Vijay Shankar, putting RR in a strong position to register their first win of the season.
WATCH – Vijay Shankar Stuns with Outstanding Catch To Dismiss Wanindu Hasaranga
Earlier, RR set a competitive target of 183, thanks to a brilliant knock from Nitish Rana. Promoted to number three, the left-hander rescued the team after early setbacks, smashing 81 off just 36 balls, including 10 boundaries and five sixes. His innings proved to be the game’s turning point.
Captain Riyan Parag replies with a fantastic catch 🤯#CSK lose Shivam Dube in the chase
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/V2QijpWpGO#TATAIPL | #RRvCSK | @rajasthanroyals pic.twitter.com/fPG0OhNcyg
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 30, 2025
At the toss, CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad spoke about the tight schedule and the incredible crowd support. He announced two changes—Jamie Overton replacing Sam Curran, while Vijay Shankar came in for Deepak Hooda.
Meanwhile, RR’s stand-in skipper Parag, relishing the opportunity to lead at his home ground, revealed he too would have preferred to bowl first. Emphasizing the need for a collective team effort, he opted to stick with the same playing XI from their previous match.
WATCH – Matheesha Pathirana Stuns With A Spectacular Diving Catch To Dismiss Dhruv Jurel
Chennai Super Kings XI: Rachin Ravindra, Rahul Tripathi, Ruturaj Gaikwad (capt), Vijay Shankar, Ravindra Jadeja, Jamie Overton, MS Dhoni (wk), R Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Matheesha Pathirana
Rajasthan Royals XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, Nitish Rana, Riyan Parag (capt), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Tushar Deshpande, Sandeep Sharma
