Chennai Super Kings (CSK) got their IPL 2025 campaign off to a hard-fought four-wicket win against arch-rivals Mumbai Indians (MI) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday (March 23). CSK chased down a score of 156, achieving 158/6 in 19.1 overs with the help of a scintillating 65-run innings by New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra and a 53-ball 53 by skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Ravindra and Gaikwad Anchor the Chase

Choosing to bowl first after the toss, CSK started off steadily. Ravindra, who was chosen over Devon Conway, played a match-winning knock, making 65 from 45 balls. Gaikwad, in his first stint as CSK captain, hit 53 runs from only 26 deliveries, getting to his fifty in 22 balls. His knock consisted of six fours and three sixes, giving CSK a good platform for their chase.

Mumbai Grapple After Collapse of Top-Order

Earlier, Mumbai Indians struggled to register a fighting score on a batsman-friendly Chepauk surface. MI managed just 155/9 in their allotted 20 overs, with Tilak Varma (31) and Suryakumar Yadav (29) leading the charge.

MI had an early blow when Khaleel Ahmed sent back Rohit Sharma for a four-ball duck on the first over. Will Jacks was promising but was removed by Ravichandran Ashwin after scoring two boundaries. Ryan Rickelton, who hit three fours during his 13-run stay, was bowled by Khaleel in the third over.

Suryakumar and Tilak attempted to stabilize the innings, but MS Dhoni’s lightning-fast stumping off Noor Ahmad sent Surya back. However, before his dismissal, he reached the 3000-run milestone for MI, becoming the third batter after Rohit Sharma and Kieron Pollard to do so.

Jharkhand’s Robin Minz (3) and Tilak were sent back in rapid succession by Noor Ahmad, stopping MI in their tracks. Deepak Chahar, the old CSK pacer, who was playing some crucial runs for MI in death overs, guided MI past 150.

Noor Ahmad and Khaleel Ahmed Shine with the Ball

CSK bowling attack was spearheaded by young spinner Noor Ahmad, who tore through MI middle order with 4/18 in four overs. Khaleel Ahmed also chipped in with three scalps for 29 runs.

Brief Scores

Mumbai Indians: 155/9 in 20 overs (Tilak Varma 31, Suryakumar Yadav 29, Deepak Chahar 28; Noor Ahmad 4/18, Khaleel Ahmed 3/29)
Chennai Super Kings: 158/6 in 19.1 overs (Rachin Ravindra 65*, Ruturaj Gaikwad 53, Ravindra Jadeja 17; Vignesh Puthur 3/32, Deepak Chahar 1/18)
Result: CSK won by 4 wickets
Player of the Match: Noor Ahmad (4/18 in four overs)

With this impressive win, CSK have successfully kicked off their IPL 2025 campaign on a high note. Meanwhile, MI, on the other hand, will now look to bounce back stronger in their next match.