The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are gearing up for the IPL 2025 season, kicking off with high hopes after finishing fifth last year. The much-anticipated tournament begins on March 22, culminating on May 25, 2025.
CSK will initiate their campaign against the Mumbai Indians (MI) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on March 23, setting the stage for another thrilling chapter between these two storied franchises. Following the release of the complete schedule by the BCCI on February 16, fans are excited about the matchup, as CSK looks to bounce back from their 2024 season, where they secured only 14 points out of 14 matches.
Under the leadership of MS Dhoni, who remains the heart of the franchise, CSK aims to capitalize on its home advantage. They will play four of their first six games at their home ground, hoping the familiar setting will aid their performance. The excitement is palpable as the team prepares for their home opener against MI, which is often marked by fierce competition.
After their season opener against MI, CSK faces Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on March 28 at the same venue, before taking their first away outing to play the Rajasthan Royals on March 30. The following matches will see CSK pitted against formidable opponents, including the Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders, both of whom they will meet twice throughout the season.
Speaking about their challenging schedule, Dhoni remarked, “We need to capitalize on home advantage and build momentum early. The opening matches set the tone for the season.”
CSK's strategy for IPL 2025 intriguingly includes integrating new talent to complement their seasoned core. The team retained several key players, including captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, who boasts the highest retention fee of Rs 18 crore, and spinners like Ravindra Jadeja, with the same retention amount. Alongside them, they have brought on board players like Ramakrishna Ghosh for Rs 30 lakh, who recently proved his potential in the Maharashtra Premier League.
Ghosh's promotion to open for his domestic team earlier this season resulted in impressive performances, prompting CSK management to secure his services. “His versatility allows us to experiment with batting order, which can be advantageous during high-pressure matches,” said Dhoni.
Meanwhile, the Mumbai Indians are dealing with their own challenges. Captain Hardik Pandya will miss their opening match against CSK due to suspension for maintaining a slow over-rate during IPL 2024. This leaves MI with the task of finding a temporary replacement leader for the clash. Pandya’s absence is significant, as he has been central to MI's strategy.
“Without Pandya, we’ll need players like Rohit Sharma or Suryakumar Yadav to step up and lead. Our strategy will adapt, but it's definitely going to be challenging without our captain,” said MI's management.
The opening weekend of IPL 2025 is expected to draw massive crowds, continuing its tradition of spectacle and high-stakes cricket. CSK fans are particularly eager to see how their team performs. With the likes of Jadeja, Pathirana, and the returning MS Dhoni, the squad’s mix of youth and experience is set to challenge opponents.
CSK’s full schedule for IPL 2025 is as follows:
- March 23: CSK vs Mumbai Indians, Chennai
- March 28: CSK vs RCB, Chennai
- March 30: Rajasthan Royals vs CSK, Guwahati
- April 5: CSK vs Delhi Capitals, Chennai
- April 8: Punjab Kings vs CSK, Chandigarh
- April 11: CSK vs Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai
- April 14: Lucknow Super Giants vs CSK, Lucknow
- April 20: Mumbai Indians vs CSK, Mumbai
- April 25: CSK vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, Chennai
- April 30: CSK vs Punjab Kings, Chennai
- May 3: RCB vs CSK, Bengaluru
- May 7: KKR vs CSK, Kolkata
- May 12: CSK vs Rajasthan Royals, Chennai
- May 18: GT vs CSK, Ahmedabad
With the exciting matches lined up and expectations high, the Chennai Super Kings’ squad is ready to charge forward, eager to reclaim their stature as champions. Fans around the world will be watching to see if they can restore their winning legacy.