Third match of the TATA IPL 2025 season unfolded on March 23, 2025, at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, better known as Chepauk. It was a clash between two of the most storied franchises in IPL history—Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI). With both teams tied at five IPL titles apiece, this encounter was billed as the “El Clasico” of the IPL, a rivalry that has consistently delivered high-octane drama, nail-biting finishes, and moments that linger long in the memory of cricket fans. While the match itself wasn’t a perfect encapsulation of their storied rivalry due to the absence of some key MI players, it still provided enough twists and turns to keep the Chepauk crowd on the edge of their seats.
Pre-Match Build-Up: The Stakes and the Squads
The MA Chidambaram Stadium was buzzing hours before the first ball. The sea of yellow in the stands signaled CSK’s formidable home support, while pockets of blue reminded everyone of MI’s loyal traveling fans. Both teams had plenty to prove. CSK, coming off a mixed 2024 season where they finished fifth, were eager to start their campaign on a high note under the leadership of Ruturaj Gaikwad. MI, on the other hand, had endured a torrid 2024, finishing at the bottom of the table, and were looking to turn things around despite missing key personnel.
CSK’s squad looked well-balanced on paper, blending youth and experience. Ruturaj Gaikwad, leading from the front, had a batting line-up that boasted the likes of Rachin Ravindra, Shivam Dube, and the evergreen MS Dhoni, whose every appearance at Chepauk sends the crowd into a frenzy. Their bowling attack was spearheaded by Ravindra Jadeja’s all-round brilliance, R Ashwin’s guile, and the Afghan spinner Noor Ahmad, who would go on to play a pivotal role in the match.
MI faced challenges even before the toss. With regular captain Hardik Pandya serving a one-match ban due to an over-rate violation from the previous season, Suryakumar Yadav stepped up to lead the side. The absence of Jasprit Bumrah, sidelined by injury, was a massive blow to their bowling attack. However, MI still fielded a formidable XI, with veterans like Rohit Sharma and Trent Boult joined by young talents like Vignesh Puthur, who made his IPL debut as an Impact Player, and debutants Ryan Rickelton and Satyanarayana Raju.
The Toss and Early Exchanges
Ruturaj Gaikwad won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision that raised eyebrows given Chepauk’s reputation as a chasing ground. However, Gaikwad’s reasoning was clear—he wanted his spinners to exploit the early grip on the pitch and restrict MI to a manageable total. The decision seemed to pay off almost immediately as CSK’s bowlers struck early.
MI’s openers, Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton, started cautiously. Deepak Chahar, playing against his former team, found his rhythm early, troubling Rohit with late swing. The breakthrough came in the third over when Khaleel Ahmed dismissed Rickelton, caught behind by MS Dhoni for a brisk 15 off 11 balls. The Chepauk crowd erupted as Suryakumar Yadav walked out to join Rohit, but the joy was short-lived for MI fans as Noor Ahmad was introduced into the attack.
Noor Ahmad’s Magic and MI’s Middle-Order Wobble
The first of many Noor laurels to come! 💛🥳💯#WhistlePodu #CSKvMI #Yellove 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/kzHaf64uux
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 23, 2025
Noor Ahmad, the young Afghan left-arm wrist-spinner, turned the game on its head in his first spell. Brought on in the fifth over, he struck with his very first ball, dismissing Will Jacks, who miscued a lofted shot straight to Shivam Dube at cover. Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma attempted to rebuild, stitching together a 51-run partnership that briefly steadied the ship. However, Noor wasn’t done. In the ninth over, he produced a moment of brilliance—a lightning-fast stumping by Dhoni sent Suryakumar packing for 29 off 26 balls. The Chepauk crowd roared as replays showed Dhoni’s glovework at its finest, whipping off the bails in a flash.
Noor Ahmad continued his rampage, trapping Tilak Varma (31 off 25) leg-before-wicket in his next over and then removing the dangerous Naman Dhir (17) and debutant Robin Minz (3) in quick succession. His figures of 4/18 in four overs were a testament to his skill and composure under pressure, earning him the Player of the Match award later in the evening. MI’s middle order crumbled under the spin onslaught, and at 82/5 after 12 overs, they were in dire straits.
MI’s Late Fightback and CSK’s Fielding Lapses
Just when it seemed CSK had the game firmly in their grip, MI’s lower order mounted a spirited fightback. Deepak Chahar, batting lower down the order, played a cameo that would haunt his former team. His 28 not out off 15 balls, including two sixes in the final over off Khaleel Ahmed, dragged MI to a respectable 155/9. Trent Boult chipped in with a handy 12 off 8 balls, ensuring MI had something to bowl at. CSK’s death bowling left much to be desired, with Khaleel finishing with figures of 3/29 but conceding crucial runs in the final over.
CSK’s fielding, usually a strong suit, also faltered at key moments. Sam Curran misjudged a catch off Tilak Varma, conceding a six, and Ashwin dropped a tough return catch off Suryakumar Yadav. These lapses allowed MI to add vital runs, but the consensus at the innings break was that 155 was below par on a Chepauk pitch that typically favored batsmen in the second innings.
CSK’s Chase: Gaikwad and Ravindra Take Charge
Chasing 156, CSK’s reply got off to a shaky start. In a surprising move, Rahul Tripathi opened alongside Rachin Ravindra, with Gaikwad opting to bat at No. 3. The experiment didn’t last long as Deepak Chahar struck in the first over, dismissing Tripathi for a duck, caught behind by Rickelton. Gaikwad walked in to a thunderous ovation and immediately took charge.
What followed was a masterclass in T20 batting. Gaikwad, often criticized for slow starts, unleashed a barrage of boundaries, racing to his fastest IPL fifty off just 22 balls. His inside-out drive off Will Jacks for six was the shot of the day, showcasing his ability to blend elegance with aggression. Alongside him, Rachin Ravindra played the perfect foil, rotating the strike and finding the odd boundary to keep the scoreboard ticking. By the end of the powerplay, CSK were 62/1, with Gaikwad on 42 off 19 balls.
Vignesh Puthur’s Dream Debut and MI’s Fightback
✨ Sapne sach hote hai ✨ x THREE 🫡#MumbaiIndians #PlayLikeMumbai #TATAIPL #CSKvMIpic.twitter.com/td1l106Y6E
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) March 23, 2025
MI desperately needed a breakthrough, and it came via an unlikely source—debutant Vignesh Puthur, a 23-year-old spinner from Kerala who replaced Rohit Sharma as an Impact Player. Puthur struck with his third ball in the IPL, dismissing Gaikwad for 53 off 26 balls, caught at long-off attempting another lofted cover drive. The young spinner wasn’t done. In his next over, he removed Shivam Dube (9) and Deepak Hooda in quick succession, finishing with figures of 3/32 in his four overs. Suddenly, MI were back in the game.
With CSK at 98/4 after 12 overs, needing 58 more, the match hung in the balance. The Chepauk crowd, sensing the tension, grew restless as MI’s bowlers tightened the screws. Trent Boult, despite an expensive first spell, returned to bowl a tight 15th over, conceding just four runs. With 31 needed off the last four overs, the game was on a knife’s edge.
Ravindra’s Composure and Dhoni’s Cameo
Rach Power to finish it off in style! 💪💥🦁#CSKvMI #WhistlePodu #Yellove 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/ijcO5aa3Yl
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 24, 2025
Amidst the mounting pressure, Rachin Ravindra held his nerve. The New Zealand left-hander, known for his composure in big moments, anchored the chase with a mature 65 not out off 45 balls. His half-century came via a slog-swept six off Naman Dhir, a shot that calmed CSK’s nerves. Ravindra Jadeja, at the other end, contributed a handy 17 off 15 balls before being run out in a moment of confusion with just four runs needed.
The run-out brought MS Dhoni to the crease, sending the Chepauk crowd into raptures. Dhoni faced just two balls and didn’t score, but his mere presence seemed to galvanize Ravindra, who smashed a six off the final ball of the 19th over to seal the game. CSK finished at 156/6, winning by four wickets with an over to spare.
Post-Match Analysis: Key Takeaways
The match, while not a classic in the CSK-MI rivalry, offered plenty of talking points. Noor Ahmad’s sensational 4/18 was the standout performance, underlining his potential as a future star for CSK. Ruturaj Gaikwad’s explosive 53 set the tone for the chase, while Rachin Ravindra’s unbeaten 65 ensured CSK crossed the line without too much drama.
For MI, Vignesh Puthur’s debut was a silver lining in an otherwise disappointing outing. The young spinner showed remarkable composure, and his 3/32 could be the start of something special. However, MI’s batting frailties, especially in the absence of Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah, were exposed. Their middle order needs more firepower if they are to compete with the best this season.
Conclusion: A Winning Start for CSK
CSK’s four-wicket victory gave them the perfect start to their 2025 campaign, while MI will need to regroup quickly ahead of their next fixture. The match showcased the depth of talent in both squads, with youngsters like Noor Ahmad and Vignesh Puthur stepping up alongside seasoned pros like Gaikwad and Ravindra. As the IPL 2025 season unfolds, this early clash will serve as a reminder of the fine margins that define this tournament. For now, though, the yellow army at Chepauk can celebrate a hard-fought win in one of cricket’s greatest rivalries.
