Two of the IPL’s most celebrated franchises, Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians, are set to clash in Match 3 of the 18th edition of the tournament. The high-stakes encounter will take place on Sunday, March 23, at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
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Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians: Preview
Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians, both five-time IPL champions, are set to reignite the league’s most iconic rivalry in a prime-time showdown on the first Sunday of IPL 2025. Had it not been for KKR’s title defense, this blockbuster could have opened the season. The spotlight may be missing some familiar faces like Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah, but with a rivalry this rich, the real fireworks might begin here.
This storied contest has undergone a transformation. Fans once accustomed to MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma leading their teams at the toss witnessed Ruturaj Gaikwad and Hardik Pandya take charge in 2024. However, neither captain guided their side to the playoffs—CSK narrowly missed out, while MI finished last, with Hardik enduring a frosty reception from the franchise’s supporters.
Even with a fresh cycle and significant roster changes, history remains embedded in this clash. Dhoni, Rohit, R Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja—who all featured in this fixture over a decade ago—are still pivotal. Suryakumar Yadav, an unused squad member in that match, will now lead MI in Hardik’s absence due to an over-rate penalty from last season. Meanwhile, Bumrah’s injury, likely keeping him out until April, further disrupts MI’s balance.
Mumbai faces an uphill battle, given their poor record in season openers—they haven’t won one since 2012. Coach Mahela Jayawardene was reminded of that stat even before their first press conference. CSK, on the other hand, return to their fortress, Chepauk, armed with a spin-heavy attack to maximize home advantage. Ashwin, who recently remarked that it “feels like 2011 again,” will pair with Jadeja, while Noor Ahmad could offer a glimpse into the franchise’s future with his left-arm wrist spin.
Dhoni’s presence alone stirred excitement upon his arrival in Chennai last month, and if he rekindles his six-hitting prowess from 2024, IPL 2025 could witness another chapter of his late-career magic. The 2012 season opener at Chepauk—a game MI last won to start a campaign—serves as a fitting reference point. Ending that streak may be trivial, but for a team in transition, it could signal stability after recent struggles.
For the first time in his IPL career, Deepak Chahar will face off against MS Dhoni and Chennai Super Kings. Having played all 81 of his IPL matches alongside Dhoni at CSK and Rising Pune Supergiant, the seamer now dons Mumbai Indians’ colors, where he could forge a formidable new-ball duo with Trent Boult. Another familiar face from CSK, Mitchell Santner, has also made the switch to MI, adding depth to their spin attack.
Meanwhile, rookie pacer Anshul Kamboj, who debuted for MI last season, has joined CSK for IPL 2025. With his ability to swing the new ball both ways, he emerges as a strong contender to fill Chahar’s void, competing with Khaleel Ahmed for a place in the XI.
CSK, too, face a balancing act. Their aggressive batting approach in 2023 was overtaken by at least four teams in 2024, leading to a rethink. This year’s squad leans less on power and more on spin, a strategy aligned with their traditionally slow surfaces. The kind of wickets they encounter will determine their fate, making this clash against a hungry, battle-tested opponent more than just a marquee event—it’s an early stress test. Any vulnerabilities won’t just be exposed; they’ll be exploited.
With Chepauk opening its gates three hours early, a packed stadium awaits, ready to set the tone for another thrilling IPL season.
Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians: Head-to-Head
Mumbai Indians lead the head-to-head record against Chennai Super Kings 20-17, but CSK have narrowed the gap by winning their last three encounters. However, MI have historically enjoyed success at Chepauk, holding a 5-3 advantage at the venue.
- Total Matches Played: 37
- Chennai Super Kings Wins: 17
- Mumbai Indians Wins: 20
- No Result: 0
- First Encounter: April 22, 2008
- Most Recent Encounter: April 14, 2024
Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians: Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
A sluggish pitch favoring spin is expected for Sunday’s clash, potentially leading both teams to field three frontline spinners in their lineup. While dew was a significant factor in IPL 2024 and TNPL 2024, a new rule allowing the bowling side to request a ball change once after the tenth over in evening matches could help mitigate its impact.
Chennai’s warm and humid conditions are a given, but predicting the pitch behavior remains uncertain—even for CSK’s captain. The coaching staff has repeatedly emphasized that the Chepauk surface hasn’t played the same since 2019, with spin losing its dominance. Whether this has changed remains to be seen. However, dew could still influence the game, as five of the seven matches here last season were won by teams chasing, making it a preferred strategy once again.
Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians: Team News and Predicted XII
Chennai Super Kings – Team News
CSK have no injury concerns but face a selection dilemma with several options to consider. Devon Conway or Rachin Ravindra? Vijay Shankar or Deepak Hooda? Sam Curran or Jamie Overton? Khaleel Ahmed or Anshul Kamboj?
If the pitch favors spin, newly signed Mitchell Santner could play a key role for MI. However, CSK might have a countermeasure in place, with up to four left-handers in their top-six capable of neutralizing his threat.
Gaikwad confirmed that a decision has been made regarding CSK’s top order, with the choice coming down to Devon Conway or Rachin Ravindra. Conway built a strong partnership with Gaikwad during their 2023 title-winning campaign, even claiming Player of the Match honors in the final. However, Ravindra is in red-hot form after being named Player of the Champions Trophy. His prolonged net session on the eve of the match, along with guidance from Michael Hussey and Stephen Fleming, suggests he is the frontrunner to open.
Chennai Super Kings – Predicted XII
- Devon Conway/Rachin Ravindra
- Ruturaj Gaikwad (capt)
- Rahul Tripathi
- Deepak Hooda/Vijay Shankar
- Shivam Dube
- Sam Curran
- Ravindra Jadeja
- MS Dhoni (wk)
- R Ashwin
- Noor Ahmad
- Matheesha Pathirana
- Khaleel Ahmed/Anshul Kamboj
Mumbai Indians – Team News
Mumbai Indians will be without Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya for their opening match. Bumrah remains sidelined with a back injury sustained during the New Year’s Test in Sydney, while Pandya is serving a one-match suspension due to overrate violations last season. In his absence, Suryakumar Yadav will lead MI. To maintain balance, MI might bring in South African all-rounder Corbin Bosch, who was part of MI Cape Town’s SA20-winning squad, or opt for an extra overseas spinner in Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
Additionally, Satyanarayana Raju, known for his death bowling in the Andhra Premier League, could be used as an Impact Player, replacing a batter when MI bowls. A key battle to watch will be between Ruturaj Gaikwad and Trent Boult, with Boult having dismissed him three times in 26 balls while conceding just 23 runs. This contest could set the tone for the game, given both players’ importance to their teams’ success.
Mumbai Indians – Predicted XII
- Rohit Sharma
- Ryan Rickelton (wk)
- Tilak Varma
- Suryakumar Yadav (capt)
- Naman Dhir
- Robin Minz
- Mitchell Santner
- Corbin Bosch/Mujeeb Ur Rahman
- Deepak Chahar
- Karn Sharma
- Trent Boult
- Satyanarayana Raju/Ashwani Kumar
Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians: Players To Watch Out For
Noor Ahmad (Chennai Super Kings)
Noor Ahmad, the 20-year-old Afghanistan wrist-spinner, has been highlighted by Ruturaj Gaikwad as a key player to watch for CSK. His ability to turn the ball both ways at pace could add a crucial edge to CSK’s bowling attack, particularly on the spin-friendly Chepauk pitch. The last time he featured in a franchise T20 league on similar surfaces, he was nearly unplayable and clinched the Player-of-the-Tournament award in CPL 2024. Noor is also familiar with the Super Kings setup, having previously worked under Stephen Fleming at Texas Super Kings in Major League Cricket (MLC) in the USA.
Suryakumar Yadav (Mumbai Indians)
Suryakumar Yadav has struggled for runs recently, failing to cross 15 in his last five T20 innings and missing a fifty in his last nine outings. However, MI remain unconcerned about his form. The last time he faced CSK at Chepauk in 2023, he was stifled by Ravindra Jadeja, Maheesh Theekshana, and Moeen Ali on a sluggish surface. The question now is whether he can break free and make an impact on Sunday.
Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians: Prediction
Scenario 1
- Toss: Chennai Super Kings win the toss and bowl first
- Powerplay Score: 45-55
- Mumbai Indians Total: 165-185
- Match Result: Chennai Super Kings win the match
Scenario 2
- Toss: Mumbai Indians win the toss and opt to bowl first
- Powerplay Score: 45-55
- Chennai Super Kings Total: 165-185
- Match Result: Chennai Super Kings win the match
When and Where To Watch Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians LIVE? Broadcast and Streaming Details
The Indian Premier League 2025 clash between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians is set to begin at 7:30 PM IST on Sunday, March 23, at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
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: Chennai Super Kings Preview – Squad Analysis of CSK And Starting XII
Also Read: IPL 2025: Mumbai Indians Preview – Squad Analysis of MI And Starting XII
FAQs
When and where is the CSK vs MI IPL 2025 match?
The Chennai Super Kings will face Mumbai Indians in Match 3 of IPL 2025 on Sunday, March 23, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
What is the head-to-head record between CSK and MI?
Mumbai Indians lead the rivalry with 20 wins, while CSK have won 17 out of 37 encounters. However, CSK have won the last three meetings, cutting the deficit.
Who are the key player absentees for MI and CSK?
MI will miss Jasprit Bumrah (back injury) and Hardik Pandya (one-match suspension). CSK have no injury concerns but face selection dilemmas in their top order and bowling attack.
What are the pitch conditions and expected playing XIIs?
The Chepauk pitch could assist spinners, and both teams might include three frontline spinners. Dew could influence the game, but new IPL rules allow a ball change for the bowling side after the 10th over.
Which key player battles could decide the match?
Trent Boult vs. Ruturaj Gaikwad is a crucial match-up, as Boult has dismissed him thrice in 26 balls. Noor Ahmad’s spin threat for CSK and Suryakumar Yadav’s recent struggles also add to the intrigue.
