CSK Kicks Off IPL 2025 With Victory Over MI

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) launched their IPL 2025 campaign with a thrilling four-wicket victory over the Mumbai Indians (MI) on March 23 at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium. The match, which featured strong performances from both teams, set the tone for what promises to be an exciting season of cricket.

Batting first, the Mumbai Indians struggled to gain momentum, ultimately posting a total of 155 runs for the loss of nine wickets. Noor Ahmad shone brightly for CSK, claiming four wickets for just 18 runs, while Khaleel Ahmed backed him up with three wickets. Despite a 51-run partnership between skipper Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma in the middle overs, MI fell short of what many thought would be a competitive total.

“It feels special to play here in the IPL. Happy for the team and happy with the contribution,” said Noor Ahmad, who was later named the Player of the Match. He added, “The focus was to land the ball in the right area and the wicket of Surya was special. The stumping from MSD was out of this world.” His assessment highlighted the critical role both teams’ bowlers played in the match.

In reply, CSK faced early pressure in their innings, losing wickets at regular intervals. However, Rachin Ravindra steadied the ship with a crucial innings of 65 runs off 45 balls, while captain Ruturaj Gaikwad contributed a brisk 53 off just 26 deliveries. Despite a middle-order collapse, CSK managed to chase down the target. When they needed just four runs from eight deliveries, MS Dhoni, playing in his 18th IPL season, made his way to the crease, only to see Ravindra seal the deal with a huge six off the first ball of the final over.

As expected, Dhoni's presence on the field drew roars of approval from the fans. The audience was primarily eager to see him bat, but after facing two deliveries, he left the scoring to Ravindra, who struck the final blow. The match concluded with Dhoni engaging a little mischief in the post-game handshakes, as he jokingly tapped Deepak Chahar, his former teammate now playing for MI, with his bat. This light-hearted moment of camaraderie quickly went viral across social media platforms, with fans sharing videos of the playful exchange.

“MS Dhoni giving the bat treatment to Deepak Chahar! This bromance is unmatched,” one user wrote on X, emphasizing the delightful rapport shared by the two players.

Chahar, who performed admirably in his MI debut, scored 28 runs off 15 balls and took one wicket for 18 runs in just two overs. His spirited performance was one of the bright spots for MI as they struggled to establish dominance in the match. Observers noted that Dhoni's bond with Chahar reflected his leadership style, often blending a familial atmosphere with competitive intensity.

In terms of bowling, Noor Ahmad and Khaleel Ahmed's performances signified a strong start for CSK’s bowling department, efficiently restricting MI and setting a solid foundation for their pursuit of the target. With the match ending in a high-octane finish, Dhoni's quick stumping of Suryakumar Yadav in just 0.12 seconds stood out as a testament to his enduring skill behind the stumps, thrilling the audience further.

CSK's victory against MI continues their trend of success against their historical rivals in the IPL, marking their fifth consecutive win over MI in the league. This win not only boosts CSK’s confidence but also paints a promising picture for their fans as the season unfolds.

Looking ahead, CSK is set to face the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on March 28, while MI will square off against the Gujarat Titans (GT) on March 29. Both teams will be keen to use their performances against CSK to improve their standing as they look to chase the coveted IPL trophy.

As excitement encompasses the IPL 2025, fans and players alike can look forward to more thrilling matches, unforgettable moments, and, undoubtedly, more of Dhoni’s memorable antics on and off the pitch.