Rachin Ravindra Steals the Show as CSK Outclass MI in IPL 2025 Thriller

Chennai, March 23, 2025 – The MA Chidambaram Stadium was a cauldron of noise last night as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) launched their IPL 2025 campaign with a gripping four-wicket victory over arch-rivals Mumbai Indians (MI). In a match that lived up to its “El Clasico” billing, New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra emerged as the hero, smashing an unbeaten 65 to secure CSK’s fifth consecutive win over MI in this iconic rivalry.

Mumbai’s Batting Falters Under CSK’s Spin Assault

Toss and Early Breakthroughs Set the Tone

CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad won the toss and elected to bowl first under Chennai’s humid conditions, a decision that paid dividends almost immediately. Afghan spinner Noor Ahmad ripped through MI’s batting order with a spellbinding 4/18, while debutant pacer Khaleel Ahmed sent Rohit Sharma packing for a duck in the first over—Sharma’s 18th IPL duck, tying an unwanted record.

Middle-Order Resistance Falls Short

Mumbai struggled to recover, limping to 155/9 in their 20 overs. Suryakumar Yadav (29) and Tilak Varma (31) offered flickers of hope, but Noor’s guile and MS Dhoni’s lightning stumpings ensured MI couldn’t build momentum. The absence of Jasprit Bumrah, still nursing an injury, left MI’s total looking vulnerable on a pitch favoring spin.

CSK’s Chase: From Dominance to Drama

Gaikwad’s Blitz Lights Up Chepauk

Chasing 156, CSK’s innings kicked off with fireworks as Ruturaj Gaikwad, batting at No. 3, blazed his way to a 22-ball 53—his fastest IPL fifty. Alongside opener Faf du Plessis (18), Gaikwad had CSK cruising, but MI’s debutant left-arm wrist-spinner Vignesh Puthur turned the game on its head, dismissing Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, and Deepak Hooda in quick succession.

Rachin Ravindra Seals the Deal

With 31 runs needed off the final four overs, the Chepauk crowd held its breath. Enter Rachin Ravindra. The 25-year-old Kiwi kept his composure, smashing two massive sixes off Puthur to reach an unbeaten 65. He finished the job in style, lofting a six off Mitchell Santner over deep midwicket with five balls to spare, sparking wild celebrations.

Post-Match Reflections and Rivalry Rekindled

MI’s Season Opener Woes Continue

For Mumbai, the defeat extended their bizarre streak of 13 consecutive losses in IPL season openers since 2012. Stand-in captain Suryakumar Yadav, leading in place of the suspended Hardik Pandya, admitted, “Rachin and Ruturaj took it away from us.” Fans on X pointed to Rohit Sharma’s early dismissal as the moment MI’s hopes crumbled.

CSK Fans Dream Big

CSK’s faithful, who stayed glued to their seats hoping for a glimpse of MS Dhoni with the bat, left Chepauk buzzing with optimism. This latest chapter in the MI-CSK saga reaffirmed why this rivalry remains the IPL’s marquee matchup—packed with drama, skill, and unforgettable moments.