Chennai Super Kings players are seen during a practice session ahead of the IPL match against Mumbai Indians in Chennai.
| Photo Credit: PTI
It is the most-awaited clash of the Indian summer. The IPL’s El Clasico has arrived early this time with Chennai Super Kings set to host Mumbai Indians at the MAC Stadium here on Sunday (March 23, 2025).
A 20-17 head-to-head (in favour of Mumbai) reveals how evenly matched the five-time champions have been.
The sides, though, are coming off a disappointing campaign last year when they failed to make the playoffs. While CSK was fifth, MI finished with the wooden spoon. A win against their arch-rival will be a good start for either side.
CSK Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and Coach Stephen Fleming during the practice session ahead of Tata IPL match between Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians at MAC Stadium on Saturday
| Photo Credit:
R. Raghu
The home team will bank on a strong spin attack on a surface that will aid the tweakers in its bid to extend the three-match winning streak over the visitor. For Ruturaj Gaikwad’s side, which possesses a reliable top-order, it will be interesting to see if Devon Conway opens with the skipper or the mantle falls on his Kiwi compatriot Rachin Ravindra.
Suryakumar Yadav’s men, though, will pose a formidable challenge despite missing regular captain Hardik Pandya (serving a one-match ban for an over-rate offence last year) and pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. A dynamic batting line-up, led by openers Rohit Sharma and South African Ryan Rickleton, followed by Suryakumar and Tilak Varma can put any attack to the sword.
On the bowling front, apart from Trent Boult, MI will look to former CSK players Deepak Chahar and Mitchell Santner for insiders’ knowledge and tactical edge.
However, beyond the preparations and match-ups, all eyes will again be firmly on M.S. Dhoni and if he can rain sixes like he did in 2024.
Published – March 22, 2025 02:34 pm IST