CSK vs MI: Chennai Super Kings bank on spin as they face Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025 opener

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will look to capitalize on their home advantage and spin-heavy attack when they take on arch-rivals Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL 2025 opener at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday.

Having won four of their last five encounters against MI, CSK hold a psychological edge heading into this blockbuster clash. The five-time champions reinforced their spin arsenal at the auction, bringing in Ravichandran Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, and Shreyas Gopal to complement existing stars like Ravindra Jadeja and Deepak Hooda. With Chepauk expected to favor spinners, CSK are likely to build their strategy around spin dominance.

CSK’s Probable Playing XI and Strategy

Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad is expected to bat at No. 3, with Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra opening the innings. The middle order features power hitters like Rahul Tripathi, Shivam Dube, and Sam Curran, followed by the ever-reliable MS Dhoni and all-rounders Jadeja and Ashwin. Matheesha Pathirana and Mukesh Choudhary are likely to handle the pace duties.

MI Face Early Challenges

Mumbai Indians will have to overcome some early setbacks. Ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah remains unavailable due to injury, while Hardik Pandya is suspended for one match due to a slow over-rate offense from last season. In his absence, Suryakumar Yadav will captain the team.

With Ishan Kishan missing, Ryan Rickelton is expected to open alongside Rohit Sharma, with Tilak Varma and Will Jacks strengthening the middle order. MI’s spin options, including Mitchell Santner and Karn Sharma, will be key to countering CSK’s batting depth.

The match will also mark the introduction of the new ball-change rule in the second innings, adding an extra tactical layer to this high-voltage contest under lights.

Predicted XIs:

Chennai Super Kings

Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Rahul Tripathi, Shivam Dube, Sam Curran, MS Dhoni (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Matheesha Pathirana, Mukesh Choudhary

Mumbai Indians

Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Will Jacks, Mitchell Santner, Naman Dhir, Raj Angad Bawa, Trent Boult, Arjun Tendulkar, Deepak Chahar

With both teams eager to start their campaign on a high, fans can expect a thrilling battle between two of IPL’s most successful franchises.