Mumbai Indians will aim to avenge their earlier defeat to arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025 when the two teams face off at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday, April 20.
Table of Contents
Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings: Preview
Had either Chennai Super Kings (CSK) or Mumbai Indians (MI) experienced a different outcome in the past week or so of IPL 2025, the intense rivalry could have shifted from the ‘El Clasico’ narrative to an ‘L Clasico.’ CSK managed to snap their five-match losing streak and will now aim for another away victory against MI on Sunday evening. If past results are any indication, CSK might find some confidence from their recent win over MI at home, but MI has since bolstered their squad with the addition of Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah, strengthening their previously depleted side.
Circa 2024: Hardik Pandya to MS Dhoni – 19.3 6, 19.4 6, 19.5 6, 19.6 2. Dhoni smashes 20 off the last four deliveries, and CSK finishes with 26 in the final over. The stands erupt in Dhoni mania. Rohit Sharma responds by smashing a century, lifting MI’s hopes. Yet, the home team still loses, by exactly the same margin Dhoni had set earlier.
And just like that, on a memorable night, these two IPL titans produced one of the most thrilling encounters in tournament history.
Cut to the present, with the same teams and nearly identical squads. MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, R. Ashwin… and the iconic Wankhede. The El Clasico of the IPL season is here. This fixture has often been a marquee clash, one that lives up to all the hype, hoopla, and billing. However, this year, it may not quite deliver on those lofty expectations.
MI, after struggling with two losses at the start of IPL 2025, have bounced back across all departments, securing wins both at home and away on varied surfaces, and whether batting first or second. Except for Rohit Sharma, whose form remains a concern, the top order has started scoring freely, the middle order is hitting boundaries at a solid pace, and their all-international bowling attack has started functioning smoothly, as showcased in their last game against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
Mumbai Indians are not in much of a better position either – they have only managed one more win than CSK and have lost more games than they have won so far. However, with Bumrah, Suryakumar, and Hardik finding their form, there’s still hope for a turnaround in the second half of the season.
For this comeback to happen, Mumbai Indians will need their talisman, Rohit Sharma, to step up. The former captain has shown signs of rediscovering his form, particularly during his brief but impactful knock against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Wankhede. Although he faced just 16 deliveries, he left an impression with a typically aggressive 25. With more time at the crease in the upcoming matches, MI’s campaign could be back on track. Unlike the pitch for the SRH game, the surface for Sunday night’s match is expected to favor the batters, and Rohit should thrive in these conditions. A resurgence for MI is difficult but not impossible.
Seven of MI’s Tilak Varma’s eight 50-plus scores in the IPL have come in defeats, with his most recent one against DC being the notable exception. He has often been the lone performer, stepping up when the rest of the MI batters have struggled.
As for MI’s captain, Hardik Pandya, he has conceded 32 runs off the nine full deliveries he’s bowled in the 16th to 20th overs. A closer breakdown reveals: three sixes off full-tosses, four singles off yorkers, and one six and one four off half-volleys.
At the halfway mark of the season, Chennai Super Kings’ playoff hopes hang by a thread. While they remain mathematically in contention, their prospects look bleak. With just two wins from seven matches, they sit at the bottom of the table. To stay alive, they must win at least six – if not all seven – of their remaining games. In short, a miracle is needed.
“It’s a delicate phase, isn’t it?” said a disappointed Stephen Fleming, coach of CSK. “Unfortunately, given the position we’re in, we’ve run out of time to be too patient. We’ve got our eyes on the season, but we’re also looking ahead, making sure we’re developing players for the future. That could be the focus in the second half of the season, should things not go well in the next couple of games.”
“Our results so far have led us to bring in all the squad members. In the past, we’ve stuck with experienced players, and they’ve given us the results we sought.” While CSK and Fleming have not fully given up hope, it feels as if they are closing the barn door after the horse has bolted.
CSK, despite a strong win over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), is still trying to find the right balance, with several players yet to hit top form. This has prompted the team management to explore younger options, as head coach Stephen Fleming mentioned before the match. After a promising bowling performance against LSG that should ease some of their concerns before facing MI at Wankhede, CSK will now hope their batting can rise to the occasion, as Fleming emphasized.
CSK’s Khaleel Ahmed delivered a stellar first spell of 3-0-22-1 against LSG, and he’ll be full of confidence as he prepares to bowl to Rohit Sharma on Sunday. The match-up between the two is intriguing: Khaleel has conceded just 28 runs in 43 balls while dismissing Rohit three times, without allowing a single six.
Similarly, CSK’s Ravindra Jadeja could approach his battle with MI’s Suryakumar Yadav with the same level of confidence, especially in the middle overs. Jadeja has given away only 47 runs in 62 balls while removing Suryakumar three times.
CSK’s MS Dhoni, known for his preference for pace bowlers over spinners, will have an interesting challenge when facing Jasprit Bumrah. In the IPL, Dhoni has managed only 60 runs off 61 balls against Bumrah, hitting just three fours and two sixes while being dismissed three times. In the death overs, Dhoni’s strike rate against Bumrah is 110.25, only marginally better.
Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings: Recent Form
Mumbai Indians WWLLW (last five matches, most recent first)
Chennai Super Kings WLLLL
Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings: Head-to-Head
MI leads CSK 20-18 overall, with the home team holding a 7-5 advantage at this venue. Since 2022, CSK has dominated with a 5-1 record, including a win in the first leg at Chepauk earlier this season.
Since the IPL 2021 second leg, CSK has triumphed in six of the seven encounters against MI, winning the last four in a row. The intense rivalry between these two teams is evident in their head-to-head, with MI winning 20 of the 38 meetings. However, CSK is currently on a four-match winning streak.
- Matches Played: 38
- Won by Mumbai Indians: 20
- Won by Chennai Super Kings: 18
- Tied: 0
- No Result: 0
- First-ever Fixture: April 23, 2008
- Most-recent Fixture: March 23, 2025
Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings: Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
After their opening loss to CSK on a slow, spinning track in Chepauk, MI would prefer a batting-friendly surface this time, especially given the spin options in the CSK lineup like Noor, Jadeja, and Rachin, and the absence of Karn in their own ranks. With their batting unit settling in well, a run-filled pitch—similar to the one used against RCB—would be more in their favour.
The surface for Sunday is expected to differ from the one used in the previous clash with SRH, with Wankhede likely to revert to its typical high-scoring nature. Given the hot and humid weather, dew could play a role again, making chasing the preferred option for the toss-winning side.
Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings: Team News and Predicted XI
Mumbai Indians – Team News
Karn Sharma is unlikely to feature against CSK after sustaining a split webbing on his right hand while fielding in the last match, which required stitches. With his availability in doubt, MI could look to either left-arm wristspinner Vignesh Puthur or pacer Ashwani Kumar, who impressed with figures of 4 for 24 in his previous outing at the Wankhede against KKR.
The surface is expected to favour the batters, aligning better with MI’s current strategy. While they opted for a slower pitch to restrict SRH’s aggressive top order, they might benefit more from a flatter track against CSK, whose batting lacks the same firepower. Jasprit Bumrah will be vital in trying to contain Rachin Ravindra, who looked sharp with a quick 37 off 22 against SRH. Rohit Sharma will retain his spot as the Impact Player.
Mumbai Indians – Predicted XI
- Ryan Rickelton (wk)
- Rohit Sharma
- Will Jacks
- Suryakumar Yadav
- Tilak Varma
- Hardik Pandya (capt)
- Naman Dhir
- Mitchell Santner
- Deepak Chahar
- Trent Boult
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Vignesh Puthur/Ashwani Kumar
Chennai Super Kings – Team News
CSK have a fully fit squad with no reported injuries. Despite viral clips showing MS Dhoni limping, he was active in the nets. Ayush Mhatre and Dewald Brevis have linked up with the team, with Brevis available for selection even though he hasn’t had much time to train. As hinted by head coach Stephen Fleming, CSK could start rotating in younger players like allrounder Ramakrishna Ghosh or pacer Kamlesh Nagarkoti in the upcoming fixtures. Ravindra Jadeja is expected to retain his position at No. 4.
Khaleel Ahmed’s track record against the likes of Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and Tilak Varma gives CSK a potential edge with the new ball. Offspinner R. Ashwin, who was left out of the previous match, might return as an Impact Player.
Chennai Super Kings – Predicted XI
- Rachin Ravindra
- Shaik Rasheed
- Rahul Tripathi
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Shivam Dube
- Vijay Shankar
- MS Dhoni (capt, wk)
- Jamie Overton
- Anshul Kamboj
- Noor Ahmad
- Khaleel Ahmed
- Matheesha Pathirana
Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings: Players To Watch Out For
Rohit Sharma (Mumbai Indians)
Mumbai Indians have most pieces clicking into place, but Rohit Sharma’s lean patch remains a concern. While the rest of the batting line-up is firing, his season average has slumped to 13.66 from just 57 deliveries faced so far.
However, with Ryan Rickelton and Will Jacks finding form at the top, the pressure on Rohit might ease a bit, giving him the room to rediscover his rhythm.
Shivam Dube (Chennai Super Kings)
Shivam Dube’s strike rate this season has dropped to 128.57, a noticeable dip compared to his 150-plus range over the past three IPL editions. While his recent performances have shown some improvement following a slow start, unbeaten knocks of 43 off 37 and 31 off 29 still point to a subdued version of his usual self.
Teams have been tactically avoiding spinners against him to restrict his scoring. Now back at his home ground, where he famously smashed five sixes in an over during a Ranji Trophy match, Dube will be hoping the familiar surroundings spark a return to form.
Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings: Prediction
Scenario 1
- Toss: Mumbai Indians win the toss and bowl
- Powerplay Score: 50-60
- Chennai Super Kings Total: 170-190
- Match Result: Mumbai Indians win the match
Scenario 2
- Toss: Chennai Super Kings win the toss and bowl
- Powerplay Score: 50-60
- Mumbai Indians Total: 175-195
- Match Result: Chennai Super Kings win the match
When and Where To Watch Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru LIVE? Broadcast and Streaming Details
The Indian Premier League 2025 clash between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings is set to begin at 7:30 PM IST on Sunday, April 20, at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. The match will be broadcast live on the Star Sports network and will also be available for live streaming on JioHotstar for FREE.
Read More: IPL 2025: PBKS vs RCB – Preview, Prediction, Starting XI and Where To Watch The Match LIVE
FAQs
Who has the upper hand in MI vs CSK head-to-head record?
Mumbai Indians lead the head-to-head battle with 20 wins, while Chennai Super Kings have 18 victories from 38 matches.
What is the pitch report for MI vs CSK at Wankhede Stadium?
The Wankhede pitch is expected to be a batting-friendly surface, ideal for high-scoring games with some dew expected under humid conditions.
Is Karn Sharma playing against CSK?
Karn Sharma is unlikely to feature due to stitches on his right thumb; Vignesh Puthur or Ashwani Kumar could be his replacements depending on conditions.
What’s the latest on MS Dhoni’s fitness and CSK squad updates?
MS Dhoni batted in the nets despite recent limping concerns. Dewald Brevis and Ayush Mhatre have joined the squad, and CSK may give younger players more chances.
What are the current form concerns for both teams?
Rohit Sharma is struggling with form for MI, averaging just 13.66 this season. Shivam Dube’s strike rate has dropped for CSK, but he hopes to regain touch at his home ground.
