Updated Team Ranking, Standings, and Net Run Rate After CSK vs MI- IPL

Ruturaj Gaikwad-captained Chennai Super Kings (CSK) defeated Mumbai Indians (MI) by four wickets in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season opener at the MA Chidambaram stadium on March 23.

CSK’s bowling attack put on a dominant display in their IPL season opener against MI, restricting their opponents to a total of 155/9 in 20 overs. Noor Ahmed’s outstanding four-wicket performance (4/18) was key in dismantling MI’s batting lineup. To compound their struggles, Khaleel Ahmed’s brilliant spell (3/29) during the powerplay overs further disrupted their rhythm paving the way for CSK’s commanding performance.

In response, CSK relied on excellent fifties from Rachin Ravindra (65 off 45) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (53 off 26) to successfully chase down the 156-run target with four wickets and five balls remaining. With this victory, CSK handed MI their 14th consecutive opening-game defeat in the IPL.

MI’s Opening Match Struggles: A Streak of Defeats Since 2012

MI’s last opening match victory in an IPL season was way back in 2012, against Chennai Super Kings in a tight, low-scoring game. Since then, they have suffered a succession of opening-game defeats against sides such as Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rising Pune Supergiant, Delhi Capitals, and Gujarat Titans.

The eagerly awaited clash between CSK and MI lived up to its ‘El Clasico’ status offering a thrilling and intense contest. MI encountered early setbacks, with Khaleel Ahmed removing Rohit Sharma for a duck and swiftly dismissing IPL debutant Ryan Rickelton (13). Although Tilak Varma (31) and Suryakumar Yadav (29) battled hard, their partnership couldn’t guide MI to a strong position, largely due to Noor Ahmed’s stellar bowling. Making his CSK debut, Noor Ahmed tore through the MI batting line-up claiming the wickets of Suryakumar Yadav, Robin Minz (3), Tilak Varma, and Naman Dhir. R Ashwin, marking his return to CSK also made an impact striking in his first over after a decade. The CSK bowling attack exhibited a clinical and disciplined display.

Rachin Ravindra and Jadeja Guide CSK to Victory

A surprising tactical move saw Rahul Tripathi, the Impact Sub, open the batting alongside Rachin Ravindra, ahead of captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. Tripathi, who has been struggling for form, failed to capitalize on the opportunity, while Gaikwad responded with a fiery 22-ball fifty, putting Chennai’s chase on track. Mumbai Indians’ Impact Sub, Vignesh Puthur, introduced a brief moment of uncertainty into CSK’s innings creating a period of tension.

The decision to have Rahul Tripathi (2) open the batting alongside Rachin Ravindra, instead of Ruturaj Gaikwad, raised some eyebrows. While Tripathi failed to make the most of his opportunity, Gaikwad’s rapid 22-ball fifty put CSK in a strong position. However, Vignesh Puthur, Mumbai Indians’ left-arm wrist-spinner, sparked a brief disruption in CSK’s momentum with a sharp three-over spell dismissing Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, and Deepak Hooda.

Will Jacks then tried to swing the match in MI’s favor by taking the wicket of Sam Curran. However, the Ravindra duo Rachin and Jadeja guided CSK to victory. MS Dhoni did come to bat after Jadeja’s dismissal, but it was Rachin Ravindra who sealed the win for CSK with two successive sixes ending the match in style.

CSK will next face Royal Challengers Bengaluru on March 28, while MI will take on Gujarat Titans on March 29.

IPL 2025 Points Table: Updated Standings After CSK vs MI

READ ALSO: IPL 2025: DC vs LSG Dream11 Prediction, Playing XI and Who WIll Win the Today’s IPL Match?