Chennai Super Kings Start IPL 2025 With Win Against Mumbai Indians

In a captivating start to their IPL 2025 season, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) edged out Mumbai Indians (MI) by 4 wickets at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on March 23, 2025. CSK, captained by Ruturaj Gaikwad, chose to bowl first after winning the toss, proving it to be a strategic decision, as their bowling unit decimated the MI batting lineup.

Noor Ahmad, the Afghan spin sensation, was the star of the match, taking 4 wickets for only 18 runs in 4 overs, including the crucial scalps of MI's stand-in captain Suryakumar Yadav and top scorer Tilak Verma. His brilliant performance not only marked his best bowling figures in the IPL but also solidified his reputation as a formidable spinner on the T20 circuit.

MI's innings got off to a rocky start, losing both Openers, Rohit Sharma and Riyan Rickelton, to Khaleel Ahmed, who took 3 wickets for 29 runs. With MI struggling at 36/3 in the powerplay, hopes rested on Suryakumar and Tilak to rebuild the innings. The duo managed to build a partnership, taking MI to 82 runs before Noor struck by removing Suryakumar for just 29 runs. Noor's excellent bowling saw him take wickets of Robin Minz and Tilak Varma in one over, leaving MI reeling at 96/6.

Ultimately, MI finished their innings at 155 runs in 20 overs. Tilak Varma emerged as the top scorer for MI with a fighting 31 off 25 balls, and Deepak Chahar played a late cameo, scoring 28 off 15 balls, including 2 fours and 2 sixes, to push MI's total to respectability.

Chasing a target of 156 runs, CSK began their innings with a powerful display, spearheaded by captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. He scored a blistering 53 runs off 26 balls, embellished with 6 fours and 3 sixes, showcasing his intent and skill. His dismissal sparked a mini-collapse in the CSK batting order, as they lost 4 wickets fairly quickly, including Shivam Dubey and Sam Curran.

In a tense finish, CSK required just 4 runs to win when MS Dhoni strode to the crease, much to the delight of the fans. Rachin Ravindra also contributed significantly with a solid innings of 42 runs. In the final over, CSK surpassed MI’s total, finishing at 158/6 in 19.1 overs. Ravindra's run-out added some drama towards the end, but CSK ensured a smooth ride to victory.

With this win, CSK begins their IPL 2025 campaign with a triumph over their arch-rivals, MI. Their bowling attack, led by Noor Ahmad and Khaleel Ahmed, showed impressive skills and depth, while the batting line-up delivered under pressure.

The match not only celebrated the skills on display but reinforced the anticipated excitement of the IPL season. Fans now eagerly await the next games, hoping for more thrilling clashes as the tournament unfolds.