Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ongoing their IPL 2025 campaign with a hard victory, defeating Mumbai Indians (MI) by four wickets. Although a strong performance from MI’s debutant left-arm wristspinner Vignesh Puthur, who took 3 wickets for 32 runs, CSK contested down the target of 156 with comfort, thanks to strong donations from Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rachin Ravindra.
MI’s total of 155/9 was largely limited by CSK’s new bowling accomplishments. Noor Ahmad, a left-arm wristspinner, carried an excellent spell, taking 4 wickets for 18 runs. His performance was main in falling MI’s chances, mainly after Khaleel Ahmed also made a strong entrance for CSK, taking 3 wickets for 29 runs.
CSKโs game got off to a flying start with Rachin Ravindra, who top-scored with an undefeated 65 off 45 balls. He made the target appear easy, bringing the required run rate down to a run a ball by the ninth over. However, MI’s Puthur created some stiffness by taking three quick wickets, with Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, and Deepak Hooda all caught out on the boundary while trying to clear it.ย
Previous, MIโs batting had been uncompleted by the imposing bowling performance from CSK. Khaleel Ahmed made an early bearing, dismissing both openersโRohit Sharma and Ryan Rickletonโin the first few overs. R. Ashwin, back at CSK after over a period, also donated with a wicket, removing Will Jacks in the powerplay.
Noor Ahmad then turned the game in CSKโs favour, picking up crucial wickets. He discharged Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav in quick series, including a stunning stumping of Yadav by MS Dhoni. Noor also removed Robin Minz and Dhir.ย
MIโs middle-order tried to restructure with Tilak Varmaโs 31, but Noorโs spin and Khaleelโs pace kept taking wickets at regular intervals. Nathan Ellis also joined in, taking down former CSK player Mitchell Santner, while Deepak Chaharโs cameo of 28 runs helped MI post a stimulating total.
In CSKโs chase, a astonishing decision to help Rahul Tripathi ahead of Gaikwad didnโt last long as Tripathi was dismissed prime. Gaikwad, however, was in excellent form, hitting boundaries with ease and quickly taking CSK to 62/1 in the powerplay.
Puthur constant 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 closed the win for CSK, ensuring they began their season with a comfortable victory.
CSKโs bowlers, particularly Noor Ahmad and Khaleel Ahmed, played key parts in limiting MI, while Ravindraโs collected knock confirmed the chase was completed without further drama. Despite the fitted moments, CSK cruised to victory, earning two points and a strong start to their IPL 2025 campaign.
