The IPL 2025 season delivered its first blockbuster on March 23, 2025, as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) clashed with Mumbai Indians (MI) at the fortress of Chepauk Stadium in Chennai. In a match that lived up to the El Clasico billing, CSK emerged victorious by 4 wickets, chasing down 156 with 5 balls to spare, thanks to a composed unbeaten 65 from Rachin Ravindra and a fiery start by Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Mumbai Indians, sent into bat after losing the toss, stumbled out of the gate dramatically. Captain Rohit Sharma fell for a duck—his 18th in IPL history, tying the unwanted record for most ducks in the tournament—cleaned up by Khaleel Ahmed in the first over. Ishan Kishan followed soon after, managing just 10 of 11 before nicking one to the keeper off Mustafizur Rahman. At 15 for 2, MI was in deep trouble, but Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma steadied the ship with a 51-run stand. Suryakumar’s 29 off 26 was gritty, while Tilak’s 31 off 25 showed flashes of aggression, including a lofted cover drive that sailed for six. Just as MI looked to build, CSK’s spinners struck. The Afghan mystery spinner, Noor Ahmed, spun a web around MI’s middle order, finishing with a sensational 4 for 18. He dismissed Hardik Pandya and Tim David in quick succession, leaving MI reeling at 98 for 5. Khaleel Ahmed backed him up with 3 for 29, ensuring MI couldn’t break free. Late cameos from Gerald Coetzee and Piyush Chawla pushed MI to 155 for 9, but the total fell well below par on a decent Chepauk surface.
CSK’s chase began with a bang, courtesy of captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, who lit up the powerplay with a blistering 53 off 26 balls. His knock, studded with 3 fours and 4 sixes, included a monstrous six over midwicket that had the Chepauk crowd roaring. Gaikwad found a perfect partner in Rachin Ravindra, who played the anchor role to perfection. Their 78-run opening stand in the powerplay—CSK’s highest ever—set the tone, racing to 78 without loss. MI, desperate for a breakthrough, turned to debutant Vignesh Puthur, and the young pacer delivered. Puthur’s 3 for 32 accounted for Gaikwad, Ajinkya Rahane, and another, giving MI a glimmer of hope. But Ravindra, cool as ever, stood firm, his unbeaten 65 off 45 a masterclass in pacing a chase. With 6 fours and 2 sixes, he ensured there were no late hiccups. Shivam Dube chipped in with a handy 22 off 15, and CSK crossed the line at 158 for 6 in 19.1 overs, sealing a morale-boosting win.
HIGHLIGHTS | CHENNAI SUPER KINGS VS MUMBAI INDIANS
This match had its share of defining moments. Rohit’s early duck set the tone for MI’s struggles, a record-equaling low that left fans stunned. Noor Ahmed’s 4 for 18, including a googly that bamboozled Hardik Pandya, was the game-changer, earning him the Player of the Match award. Gaikwad’s powerplay onslaught gave CSK the perfect start, while Puthur’s spirited fightback kept MI in the contest. Khaleel Ahmed’s early strikes, including Rohit’s wicket, were crucial in keeping MI’s total in check.
Here’s a snapshot of the standout performers:
| Player | Team | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Wickets | Economy |
| Rachin Ravindra | CSK | 65* | 45 | 6 | 2 | – | – |
| Ruturaj Gaikwad | CSK | 53 | 26 | 3 | 4 | – | – |
| Tilak Varma | MI | 31 | 25 | 3 | 1 | – | – |
| Suryakumar Yadav | MI | 29 | 26 | 2 | 1 | – | – |
| Noor Ahmed | CSK | – | – | – | – | 4 | 4.50 |
| Khaleel Ahmed | CSK | – | – | – | – | 3 | 7.25 |
| Vignesh Puthur | MI | – | – | – | – | 3 | 8.00 |
CSK’s victory was a statement of intent, their bowling depth and batting composure shining through. For MI, the loss extends their streak of opening-match defeats to 13 years, a hoodoo they’ll be desperate to break. Rohit’s early exit and a shaky middle order are concerns, but Puthur’s debut offers a silver lining. As the IPL 2025 season unfolds, CSK will look to build on this momentum at Chepauk, while MI will aim to regroup and find their rhythm in their next outing. The stage is set for more epic battles in this storied rivalry.