CSK vs MI IPL 2025 The third match of IPL 2025 will witness a high-stakes showdown between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM IST, this match is dubbed the “El Clasico” of IPL due to the fierce rivalry between these two five-time champions.
Match Preview for CSK vs MI
The rivalry between MI and CSK is one of the most celebrated in IPL history. Both teams have dominated the league with five titles each, making their clashes a spectacle for fans. While CSK enters this season with a well-rounded squad under new captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, MI faces challenges with key absences, including Hardik Pandya (serving a one-match ban) and Jasprit Bumrah (recovering from injury). Suryakumar Yadav will lead MI in Pandya’s absence.
Recent Head-to-Head Record
- Overall: MI leads with 20 wins to CSK’s 17.
- At Chepauk: MI holds a narrow edge with 5 wins to CSK’s 3.
- Last Five Matches: CSK has won four out of five encounters, including three consecutive victories.
Pitch and Conditions
The pitch at Chepauk is traditionally spin-friendly, offering significant assistance to slower bowlers as the game progresses. Dew might play a role later in the evening, but new IPL rules allow teams bowling second to change the ball once after the tenth over, potentially mitigating its impact. Thunderstorms earlier in the day are expected to clear by match time, ensuring uninterrupted play with temperatures around 30°C.
Key Players to Watch
- Ravichandran Ashwin: The leading wicket-taker at Chepauk in IPL history (50 wickets in 42 innings).
- Ravindra Jadeja: A consistent performer against MI with his all-round abilities.
- Suryakumar Yadav: MI’s stand-in captain and key middle-order batter.
- Ruturaj Gaikwad: CSK’s new captain, looking to make a strong statement.
Predicted Playing XI for CSK vs MI
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
- Ruturaj Gaikwad (c)
- Devon Conway
- Rahul Tripathi
- Shivam Dube
- Deepak Hooda
- Ravindra Jadeja
- MS Dhoni (wk)
- Sam Curran
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- Noor Ahmad
- Matheesha Pathirana
Mumbai Indians (MI)
- Rohit Sharma
- Ryan Rickelton (wk)
- Suryakumar Yadav (c)
- Tilak Varma
- Will Jacks
- Naman Dhir
- Raj Angad Bawa
- Deepak Chahar
- Mitchell Santner
- Trent Boult
- Arjun Tendulkar
Conclusion
With CSK banking on their spin-heavy attack and MI missing key players, Chennai appears to have an edge going into this high-voltage clash at their home ground. Fans can expect an electrifying atmosphere as these two giants battle it out for early momentum in IPL 2025!