IPL 2025: Ruturaj Gaikwad-Rachin Ravindra's robust fifties coupled with Noor Ahmad's 4-fer help CSK pack off MI by 4 wickets in campaign opener

Ruturaj Gaikwad-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) got the better of Mumbai Indians (MI) by four wickets in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025's campaign opener at the MA Chidambaram stadium on March 23.

CSK gun down MI by 4 wickets in IPL 2025

CSK' bowling attack delivered a commanding performance in their IPL season opener against MI, effectively limiting their opponents to a total of 155/9 in 20 overs. Noor Ahmed's impressive four-wicket haul (4/18) proved instrumental in stifling the MI's batting lineup. Adding to their woes, Khaleel Ahmed's sensational spell (3/29) during the powerplay overs further disrupted their momentum, setting the stage for CSK's strong showing.

In reply, CSK rode on brilliant fifties from Rachin Ravindra (65 off 45) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (53 off 26) to chase down the 156-run target with four wicket and five balls to spare.

With this CSK handed MI their 14th successive opening game defeat in the IPL.

ALSO READ: 'That was scary, I wouldn't be wanting to...': Captain Pat Cummins left scared despite SRH's 44-run win over RR in IPL 2025

MI's last victory in an opening match of an IPL season dates back to 2012, coincidentally also against Chennai Super Kings in a tightly contested, low-scoring encounter. Since then, they have endured a series of opening-game defeats, facing Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rising Pune Supergiant, Delhi Capitals, and Gujarat Titans.

MI's jittery batting

The highly anticipated clash between CSK and MI lived up to its 'El Clasico' reputation, delivering a tense and engaging contest. MI faced early setbacks, with Khaleel Ahmed dismissing Rohit Sharma for a duck and quickly removing IPL debutant Ryan Rickelton (13). While Tilak Varma (31) and Suryakumar Yadav (29) fought valiantly, their partnership couldn't steer MI to a secure position, largely due to Noor Ahmed's impactful bowling. Noor Ahmed, making his CSK debut, dismantled the MI batting order, claiming the wickets of Suryakumar Yadav, Robin Minz (3), Tilak Varma, and Naman Dhir. This followed R Ashwin's successful return to CSK, where he struck in his opening over after a decade. The CSK bowling attack displayed a clinical and disciplined performance.

ALSO READ: BCCI empowers fourth umpire with bigger role in IPL 2025 which places batters under strict radar

Ruturaj Gaikwad-Rachin Ravindra's fifties in CSK's winning cause

A surprising strategic move saw Rahul Tripathi, the Impact Sub, open the batting alongside Rachin Ravindra, ahead of captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. Tripathi, struggling for form, failed to capitalise, while Gaikwad responded with a blistering 22-ball fifty, propelling Chennai's chase. Vignesh Puthur, Mumbai Indians' Impact Sub, introduced a moment of uncertainty into the CSK innings, creating a brief period of tension.

The decision to have Rahul Tripathi (2), as the Impact Sub, open the batting alongside Rachin Ravindra, instead of captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, raised some eyebrows. Tripathi, struggling for form, failed to capitalize on the opportunity, while Gaikwad responded with a rapid 22-ball fifty, setting the Chennai chase on course. However, Vignesh Puthur, Mumbai Indians' Impact Sub, briefly disrupted CSK's momentum.

Puthur, a left-arm wrist-spinner, delivered an impressive three-over spell, dismissing Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, and Deepak Hooda. Will Jacks then attempted to swing the match in MI's favor by taking the wicket of Sam Curran. Yet, the Ravindra duo—Rachin and Jadeja—successfully guided CSK to victory. MS Dhoni did come to bat after Jadeja's dismissal but Ravindra sealed the deal for CSK with a six and then hitting another six to end the match.

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