CSK vs MI Preview – El Clásico to set IPL blazing

The iconic rivalry between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians will once again return with the two taking on each other in Match No. 3 of the IPL 2025 at M. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday, March 23. With Hardik Pandya unavailable due to a one-match ban due to an over-rate offence in the previous IPL, Suryakumar Yadav will lead MI in the season opener.

Furthermore, Mumbai will be without, Jasprit Bumrah as he remains unavailable due to injury. MI will have to rely on their batting-heavy lineup to make an impact. With a strong top order featuring Rohit Sharma, Tilak Varma, and the explosive duo of Ryan Rickelton and Will Jacks, MI’s batting is a clear strength. However, their spin department looks to be a bit weak, with a lack of reliable options beyond Mitchell Santner.

On the other hand, CSK, under Ruturaj Gaikwad, will be hoping to lift their sixth IPL title. While MS Dhoni’s future is the hot topic, the team’s mix of experience and fresh talent makes them strong contenders. The side sees the return of veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin after 2015. With a strong spin line-up, the side will look to exploit the conditions and start their campaign with a bang.

Pitch Report

The renowned M. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai has historically been known to be slow and spin-friendly, making batting quite challenging. Bowlers who are good at bowling variations along with the spinners are expected to enjoy favourable conditions on this surface. The surface here might show signs of returning to the Chepauk of old.

Probable Playing XI

Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Rahul Tripathi, Deepak Hooda, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, MS Dhoni, Ravichandran Ashwin, Matheesha Pathirana, Noor Ahmad.

Mumbai Indians (MI)

Ryan Rickelton (wk), Rohit Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Naman Dhir, Robin Minz, Mitchell Santner, Karn Sharma, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Reece Topley.