Rachin Ravindra’s Unbeaten 65 and Gaikwad’s Blitz Secure Chennai’s Chase at Chepauk

In a high-octane clash at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) edged past the Mumbai Indians (MI) by four wickets in their IPL 2025 season opener, chasing down 156 with five balls to spare. The match, played on March 23, 2025, showcased a blend of fiery bowling, explosive batting, and the evergreen charisma of MS Dhoni, who drew thunderous cheers despite an uncharacteristic duck.

MI’s Stuttering Innings: Noor Ahmed’s Spin Web

Opting to bowl first, CSK’s decision paid dividends as MI crumbled early. Khaleel Ahmed (3/29) struck twice in the powerplay, dismissing Rohit Sharma for a golden duck (0 off 4) and debutant Ryan Rickleton (13 off 7). A 51-run stand between Suryakumar Yadav (29 off 26) and Tilak Varma (31 off 25) offered hope, but Afghan spinner Noor Ahmed dismantled MI’s middle order with a career-best 4/18. His victims included Yadav (stumped by Dhoni), Varma (lbw), Robin Minz (3 off 9), and Naman Dhir (17 off 12), reducing MI to 101/7. A late surge by Deepak Chahar (28* off 15) propelled MI to 155/9, but the total proved inadequate.

MI Batting Scorecar

CSK’s Commanding Chase: Ravindra Anchors, Gaikwad Ignites

CSK’s reply was spearheaded by a blistering 22-ball fifty from Ruturaj Gaikwad (53 off 26), featuring six fours and three sixes. Though MI debutant Vignesh Puthur (3/32) triggered a mini-collapse by removing Gaikwad, Shivam Dube (9 off 7), and Deepak Hooda (3 off 5), Rachin Ravindra held firm with an unbeaten 65 off 45 (2 fours, 4 sixes). Contributions from Ravindra Jadeja (17 off 18) and Sam Curran (4 off 9) kept CSK steady, while MS Dhoni remained not out on 0 off 2*, sealing the win at 158/6 in 19.1 overs.

CSK Batting Scorecard

Key Moments and Corrections:

• MS Dhoni’s Duck: Contrary to initial reports, Dhoni remained unbeaten on 0* off 2 balls. His lightning-quick stumping of Suryakumar Yadav, however, electrified the crowd.

• Rahul Tripathi’s Inclusion: Tripathi (2 off 3) opened alongside Ravindra but fell early to Deepak Chahar, a detail omitted in earlier summaries.

• Ryan Rickleton’s Contribution: The MI keeper scored 13 off 7, not 8 as previously stated.