IPL 2025: Chennai Super Kings secure comfortable win over Mumbai Indians

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) started their IPL 2025 campaign with a solid victory, defeating Mumbai Indians (MI) by four wickets. Despite a strong performance from MI's debutant left-arm wristspinner Vignesh Puthur, who took 3 wickets for 32 runs, CSK chased down the target of 156 with ease, thanks to strong contributions from Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rachin Ravindra.

MI's total of 155/9 was largely restricted by CSK's new bowling acquisitions. Noor Ahmad, a left-arm wristspinner, delivered a superb spell, taking 4 wickets for 18 runs. His performance was key in reducing MI's chances, particularly after Khaleel Ahmed also made a strong debut for CSK, taking 3 wickets for 29 runs.

CSK’s chase got off to a flying start with Rachin Ravindra, who top-scored with an unbeaten 65 off 45 balls. He made the target seem easy, bringing the required run rate down to a run a ball by the ninth over. However, MI's Puthur created some tension by taking three quick wickets, with Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, and Deepak Hooda all caught out on the boundary while attempting to clear it. 

Earlier, MI’s batting had been undone by the impressive bowling performance from CSK. Khaleel Ahmed made an early impact, dismissing both openers—Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickleton—in the first few overs. R. Ashwin, back at CSK after over a decade, also contributed with a wicket, removing Will Jacks in the powerplay.

Noor Ahmad then turned the game in CSK’s favour, picking up crucial wickets. He dismissed Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav in quick succession, including a stunning stumping of Yadav by MS Dhoni. Noor also removed Robin Minz and Dhir. 

MI’s middle-order tried to rebuild with Tilak Varma’s 31, but Noor’s spin and Khaleel’s pace kept taking wickets at regular intervals. Nathan Ellis also joined in, taking down former CSK player Mitchell Santner, while Deepak Chahar’s cameo of 28 runs helped MI post a challenging total.

In CSK’s chase, a surprising decision to promote Rahul Tripathi ahead of Gaikwad didn’t last long as Tripathi was dismissed early. Gaikwad, however, was in excellent form, hitting boundaries with ease and quickly taking CSK to 62/1 in the powerplay.

Puthur continued to cause problems with his slow wristspin, but Ravindra was the standout, hitting four sixes to guide CSK closer to the target. A late six from Ravindra sealed the win for CSK, ensuring they began their season with a comfortable victory.

CSK’s bowlers, especially Noor Ahmad and Khaleel Ahmed, played key roles in restricting MI, while Ravindra’s composed knock ensured the chase was completed without further drama. Despite the tight moments, CSK cruised to victory, earning two points and a strong start to their IPL 2025 campaign.