The highly anticipated IPL 2025 match between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) is set to take place today, March 23, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, also known as Chepauk. Scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM IST, this clash is not just another game; it’s often dubbed the ‘El Clasico’ of the IPL, featuring two of the most successful franchises in cricket history.
CSK and MI both have a storied rivalry, and their encounters are among the most-watched matches in the IPL calendar. Today’s match will have additional stakes as MI will be without their regular captain, Hardik Pandya, who is serving a one-match suspension for a slow-over-rate violation from the previous season. Stepping up in his absence will be Suryakumar Yadav who will lead the team in this crucial opener.
As history would dictate, Chennai has the upper hand in this rivalry. They have clinched victory in 20 of the 37 previous IPL clashes, while Mumbai has won 17 times. In their last confrontational meeting during IPL 2024, CSK managed a convincing win by 20 runs, adding to MI’s woes. Remarkably, Mumbai has not emerged victorious against Chennai since May 2022, where they won by five wickets. The talk around Chennai’s dominance is palpable, especially at their home ground, where they traditionally perform excellently.
Currently, both teams are looking to rebound from disappointing campaigns in IPL 2024, where MI finished last and CSK missed out on playoffs. CSK looks to start the 2025 season strong, especially with seniors like MS Dhoni still in the mix, capable of turning matches around despite his advancing years.
The match today will also see players like Ruturaj Gaikwad, who leads CSK, aiming to deliver strong performances. Gaikwad has had mixed results against MI’s Trent Boult, with previous encounters leaning towards the bowler's favor. History shows that in five innings, Gaikwad has managed only 23 runs against Boult while getting dismissed three times, establishing an average of 7.66 against the left-arm pacer.
On the other hand, Suryakumar Yadav's performance against CSK’s spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja will be vital. While Suryakumar has overcome Ashwin in previous matches, he finds Jadeja's left-arm spin to be a testing challenge, averaging only 15.00 against him.
Another key player to watch is MS Dhoni. With a strike rate of 209.84 during death overs in the last two IPL seasons, Dhoni shows his unhindered ability to make impactful contributions during critical junctures of the game. His past confrontations with Boult during death overs reflect exciting dynamics, as Dhoni has scored 68 runs off 5 innings against Boult in similar situations, despite being dismissed twice.
The pitch at the MA Chidambaram Stadium has a reputation that generally favors spinners, making it tricky for pacers unless they can vary their strategies effectively. Historically, the ground has seen an average score of 170 for matches to be deemed competitive. Teams often opt to chase here, supported by stats from IPL 2024, where six out of nine matches saw victories for the team batting second. Given the expected clarity in weather conditions today, the chances of rain seem minimal, allowing for a full game.
In preparation, CSK is expected to field a strong lineup, including stalwarts such as Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (WK), and the newly acquired Noor Ahmad. The full predicted XI for CSK is: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Devon Conway, Rahul Tripathi, Shivam Dube, Deepak Hooda, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni, Sam Curran, R. Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, and Matheesha Pathirana. For MI, the lineup will feature Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton (WK), Will Jacks, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, and Trent Boult, among others.
The reopening of IPL 2025 heralds excitement not only due to the renewed rivalry but also the shifts within the teams, with MI introducing key players like Deepak Chahar from CSK. This trend of inter-team transfer continues to add spice to their encounters, heightening the stakes for today’s match.
As fans gear up for what promises to be another thrilling match, anticipations run high. Will CSK maintain their dominance over MI, or will the latter break their dismal streak against their rivals? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: this match will surely add another exciting chapter to one of cricket's most intense rivalries.
Catch all the action live on Star Sports and streaming on JioHotstar as these two giants clash in what many hope will be a classic IPL fixture, showcasing talent, strategy, and the relentless pursuit of victory.
