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Clinical Chennai Super Kings Secure Victory Over Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025 Opener
CSK Overpower MI with a Dominant Performance at Chepauk
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) showcased a clinical display to defeat their arch-rivals Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Chepauk stadium, marking a strong start to their IPL 2025 campaign. CSK’s all-round performance, driven by a brilliant bowling effort from Noor Ahmad and crucial half-centuries from Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rachin Ravindra, ensured a four-wicket win. MI, on the other hand, continued their trend of failing to win their opening fixture, making it their 13th consecutive season with an opening-match defeat.
Where Did CSK Win the Match?
PowerPlay Dominance Set the Tone
The PowerPlay turned out to be the decisive phase of the match. Both teams faced difficulties in the middle overs, but CSK’s superior start made all the difference. MI, despite scoring 52 runs, lost three crucial wickets, while CSK managed a solid 62/1, laying a strong foundation for their chase. Gaikwad’s aggressive intent allowed CSK to stay ahead, ensuring they had enough momentum even when MI’s spinners applied pressure later in the innings.
Mumbai Indians’ Batting Performance
PowerPlay – A Mixed Start for MI
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Phase score: 52/3 [RR: 8.66, 4s/6s: 9/1]
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New recruit Khaleel Ahmed struck early, dismissing Rohit Sharma for a duck.
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R Ashwin, returning to CSK after a decade, made an impact in the PowerPlay, removing Will Jacks with a carrom ball.
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Ryan Rickelton played some fluent strokes but fell to Khaleel, leading to MI’s struggles early on.
Middle Overs – Noor Ahmad Spins a Web
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Phase score: 58/3 [RR: 6.44, 4s/6s: 1/2]
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Noor Ahmad changed the game by dismissing Suryakumar Yadav and Robin Minz in quick succession.
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MI went from a decent position (82/3 after 10 overs) to a precarious 110/6, struggling against CSK’s spin attack.
Death Overs – Deepak Chahar Provides Resistance
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Phase score: 45/3 [RR: 9, 4s/6s: 3/2]
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With MI reeling, Deepak Chahar played a late cameo, smashing two sixes and two fours, pushing the total beyond 150.
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CSK restricted MI to 155/9 in 20 overs, setting up a manageable chase.
Chennai Super Kings’ Chase
PowerPlay – Gaikwad’s Explosive Start
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Phase score: 62/1 [RR: 10.33, 4s/6s: 8/2]
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CSK’s decision to send Rahul Tripathi to open did not last long as he fell early to Chahar.
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Gaikwad took charge, smashing Trent Boult and Chahar for boundaries, racing to 42 off just 19 balls.
Middle Overs – MI Fight Back
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Phase score: 57/4 [RR: 6.33, 4s/6s: 0/3]
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Debutant Vignesh Puthur dismissed Gaikwad, shifting momentum.
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MI’s spinners applied pressure, reducing CSK to 121/5, creating tension in the chase.
Death Overs – Rachin Ravindra’s Calm Finish
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Phase score: 39/1 [RR: 9.35, 4s/6s: 1/3]
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Rachin Ravindra hit two sixes off Puthur to relieve pressure and brought up a crucial half-century.
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With just 37 needed off the last five overs, Ravindra’s composure ensured CSK crossed the finish line with five balls to spare.
Brief Scores
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Mumbai Indians: 155/9 in 20 overs (Tilak Varma 31; Noor Ahmad 4/18, Khaleel Ahmed 3/29)
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Chennai Super Kings: 158/6 in 19.1 overs (Rachin Ravindra 65*, Ruturaj Gaikwad 53; Vignesh Puthur 3/32)
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CSK won by 4 wickets.
What’s Next?
CSK will take on Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) next in a much-anticipated southern derby at Chepauk. With their spinners in fine form, they will look to exploit RCB’s batting vulnerabilities.
On the other hand, Mumbai Indians will travel to Ahmedabad to face Gujarat Titans. Having lost their opening game, they will be eager to bounce back with a strong performance.
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