Chennai Super Kings Triumph Over Mumbai Indians by 4 Wickets in IPL 2025 Opener

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) emerged victorious in their opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, defeating the Mumbai Indians (MI) by 4 wickets at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday. The match, which saw CSK chasing a target of 129 runs, was a closely contested affair that kept spectators on the edge of their seats until the final over.

A See-Saw Battle

The match began with Mumbai Indians batting first after losing the toss. However, their innings got off to a shaky start with the early dismissal of captain Rohit Sharma for a duck. Despite this setback, MI managed to post a total of 128 runs, thanks in large part to contributions from Naman Dhir and Mitchell Santner.

CSK’s chase was not without its challenges. The home team lost wickets at regular intervals, with Rahul Tripathi departing early for just 2 runs. However, it was the steadying influence of Rachin Ravindra that proved to be the difference. The New Zealand all-rounder kept his cool and anchored the innings, guiding CSK through some tense moments.

The match saw several momentum shifts, with both teams fighting hard for supremacy. Mumbai Indians’ bowlers, particularly Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar, kept the pressure on CSK’s batsmen throughout the chase. However, CSK’s depth in batting ultimately proved too much for MI to handle.

Ravindra’s Match-Winning Performance

Rachin Ravindra’s performance was undoubtedly the highlight of the match. The left-hander displayed remarkable composure, especially considering this was his debut IPL season. Despite wickets falling around him, Ravindra remained unfazed, methodically constructing his innings and keeping CSK in the hunt.

His partnership with Ruturaj Gaikwad was particularly crucial. Gaikwad, who took on the MI bowlers with some exquisite shots, including back-to-back fours off Trent Boult, provided the impetus CSK needed in the middle overs. This partnership laid the foundation for CSK’s successful chase.

As the match entered its final stages, the tension at Chepauk was palpable. With CSK needing just four runs in the last over, it was fitting that Ravindra was there to guide his team home, securing a memorable victory for the Yellow Army.

This win marks a significant milestone for CSK, as it’s their first opening match victory against MI in 13 years3. It also sets a positive tone for their campaign in IPL 2025, especially considering they are entering this season with a new captain in Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has taken over the reins from the legendary MS Dhoni.

For Mumbai Indians, this loss will be a bitter pill to swallow. Playing without their regular captain Hardik Pandya, who was banned for this match, and star bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who is yet to regain full fitness, MI will need to regroup quickly. Stand-in captain Suryakumar Yadav and the team management will have their work cut out as they look to bounce back in their next fixture.