Chennai, March 23, 2025 – The MA Chidambaram Stadium witnessed a rollercoaster of a match as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) took on Mumbai Indians (MI) in a thrilling IPL 2025 encounter. CSK’s innovative approach in their chase of 156 runs backfired early, while MI’s bowlers, led by Deepak Chahar, struck key blows. Earlier, a clinical bowling performance from CSK’s Noor Ahmad and Khaleel Ahmed had restricted MI to 155 for 9 in 20 overs.
CSK’s Out-of-the-Box Move Falls Flat
Chasing a modest 156, CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad rolled the dice with an unexpected strategy, bringing in Rahul Tripathi as an impact substitute to open alongside Rachin Ravindra, while holding himself back. The gamble, however, didn’t pay off. Tripathi managed just 2 runs off 3 balls before falling to MI’s Deepak Chahar, leaving CSK in early trouble. The Chepauk crowd, buzzing with anticipation, was left stunned as MI seized the momentum.
MI’s Innings: Noor Shines, Chahar Rescues
Earlier in the day, Gaikwad won the toss and opted to bowl, a decision that paid dividends almost immediately. Khaleel Ahmed set the tone, dismissing MI veteran Rohit Sharma for a duck in the first over and following it up by removing debutant Ryan Rickelton in the next. MI were reeling at 15 for 2, and CSK’s bowlers tightened the screws.
Suryakumar Yadav (29) and Tilak Varma (31) offered some resistance, stitching together a vital partnership to steady the ship. However, the introduction of CSK’s spin trio—Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and debutant Noor Ahmad—turned the tide. Noor, in particular, was the star, ripping through MI’s middle order with a sensational spell of 4 for 18. His victims included key batters, leaving MI struggling at 127 for 8.
Just when it seemed MI would fold, Deepak Chahar (28* off 18) played a crucial cameo, lifting his side to a respectable 155 for 9. Trent Boult and Mitchell Santner chipped in with disciplined bowling but couldn’t stop Chahar’s late flourish.
Key Moments So Far
- MI’s Early Collapse: Khaleel Ahmed’s double strike in the powerplay put MI on the back foot.
- Noor’s Dream Debut: The Afghan spinner’s four-wicket haul broke MI’s spine in the middle overs.
- CSK’s Failed Experiment: Rahul Tripathi’s quick dismissal handed MI the upper hand in the chase.
Playing XIs
Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton (w), Will Jacks, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, Robin Minz, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Satyanarayana RajuImpact Subs: Vignesh Puthur, Ashwani Kumar, Raj Bawa, Corbin Bosch, Karn Sharma
Chennai Super Kings: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Rachin Ravindra, Deepak Hooda, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, MS Dhoni (w), Ravichandran Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, Nathan Ellis, Khaleel AhmedImpact Subs: Rahul Tripathi, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Vijay Shankar, Jamie Overton, Shaik Rasheed
What Lies Ahead ?
With 156 to chase, CSK’s hopes now rest on the likes of Gaikwad, Ravindra, and the ever-reliable MS Dhoni. MI, buoyed by Chahar’s early breakthrough, will look to their experienced bowling attack, featuring Trent Boult and Mitchell Santner to defend the total on a Chepauk pitch offering turn and grip.
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