Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will aim to kick off their IPL 2025 campaign with a victory when they face Mumbai Indians (MI). The highly anticipated CSK vs MI match is set to take place on Sunday, March 23, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
After a disappointing 2024 season, where they failed to defend their title, CSK will be eager to bounce back. Last year, the team struggled for consistency, ending their campaign with seven wins and seven losses. They finished fifth in the points table, narrowly missing the playoffs due to an inferior net run rate. This season, CSK will be determined to make amends and start strong.
As Chennai Super Kings prepare for their opening match, here’s a look at their likely playing XI against Mumbai Indians.
CSK Playing 11 vs Mumbai Indians – IPL 2025, Match 3
Openers: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Devon Conway
Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway are expected to open the innings for CSK in IPL 2025. The duo had a successful partnership in the 2023 season, playing a pivotal role in CSK’s title win. Conway missed the 2024 season due to injury but has a proven track record in Indian conditions. In IPL 2023, he scored 672 runs in 16 matches, boasting a total of 924 runs in 23 IPL games with nine fifties.
Gaikwad, who took over the captaincy last season, will look to lead from the front. Despite a strong individual performance in 2024, where he scored 583 runs with a century and four fifties, the team fell short of the playoffs. Gaikwad will be eager to guide CSK to greater heights this season.
Middle-order batsmen and allrounders: Rachin Ravindra, Rahul Tripathi, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (wk)
Rachin Ravindra joins CSK after a stellar Champions Trophy campaign, where he won the Golden Bat and was named Player of the Tournament. Scoring 263 runs in four innings at an average of 68.75, including two centuries, Ravindra will look to carry that form into the IPL. After a challenging 2024 season, he’s determined to make an impact.
Rahul Tripathi, a dependable middle-order batsman, has been added to the CSK squad. Known for his ability to score quickly, Tripathi has 2236 runs in 95 IPL games with 12 fifties. He will play a crucial role in stabilizing the middle order.
Shivam Dube and Ravindra Jadeja will handle the all-rounder duties. Dube, primarily a batsman, has scored 1502 runs in 65 IPL games with nine fifties. His ability to dominate spinners will be vital for CSK. Jadeja, on the other hand, will contribute with both bat and ball, playing a key role in the team’s balance.
MS Dhoni, the legendary wicketkeeper, is expected to feature in the playing XI. While he may not face many deliveries, his leadership and experience will be invaluable to the team. Last season, he faced only 73 deliveries, and a similar role is anticipated this year.
Bowlers: Ravichandran Ashwin, Anshul Kamboj, Noor Ahmed, Matheesha Pathirana
Matheesha Pathirana will spearhead CSK’s pace attack. The Sri Lankan pacer has been in sensational form, taking 34 wickets in just 20 IPL games. His ability to bowl yorkers and variations makes him a formidable bowling option.
Anshul Kamboj, who rose to fame after taking all 10 wickets in a Ranji Trophy innings last year, is likely to partner Pathirana. Kamboj will look to replicate that success in the IPL.
In the spin department, CSK will rely on Ravichandran Ashwin and Noor Ahmed. Ashwin, returning to CSK after over a decade, brings vast experience and familiarity with Chennai’s conditions. Afghanistan’s Noor Ahmed, a promising young talent, will complement Ashwin in the spin attack.
