IPL 2025: CSK Edge Past MI in Season Opener as Rachin, Ruturaj Lead Run Chase After Noor, Khaleel’s Bowling Heroics
Chennai, March 23: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) kicked off their IPL 2025 campaign with a thrilling four-wicket win over arch-rivals Mumbai Indians (MI) in front of a roaring crowd at Chepauk Stadium. A composed knock by Rachin Ravindra and an aggressive cameo by skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad anchored the chase, after a brilliant bowling display by Noor Ahmed and Khaleel Ahmed restricted MI to a modest 155/9.
After CSK won the toss and opted to bowl, Khaleel Ahmed struck early with the prized scalp of Rohit Sharma, dismissing him for a four-ball duck. He followed it up by shattering Ryan Rickelton’s stumps, leaving MI struggling at 24/2. Ravichandran Ashwin, in his return to Chepauk, sent Will Jacks back to the pavilion, reducing MI to 36/3.
A 51-run stand between Tilak Varma (31 off 25) and Suryakumar Yadav (29 off 26) briefly steadied MI, but Noor Ahmed dismantled the middle order with a dream debut spell of 4/18 in four overs. He removed Suryakumar, Tilak, Robin Minz, and Naman Dhir, turning the momentum in CSK’s favour.
Despite a late flourish from *Deepak Chahar (28 off 15 balls)**, Mumbai Indians could only manage 155/9 in 20 overs. Khaleel Ahmed finished with 2/28, while Nathan Ellis and Ashwin chipped in with one wicket each.
In response, CSK’s chase was anchored by Rachin Ravindra, who scored a mature 65 off 46 balls, holding the innings together despite wickets falling around him. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad gave the innings a blistering start with 53 off just 26 balls, including crisp boundaries and stylish sixes before being dismissed by Vignesh Puthur, who marked an impressive debut with 3/32 in four overs.
Ravindra Jadeja chipped in with a crucial 17 off 18 before an unfortunate run-out, while Rachin’s steady hand ensured CSK crossed the finish line in the final over.
The thrilling encounter gave Chennai the edge in one of IPL’s fiercest rivalries and showcased a promising mix of youth and experience.
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