### Match Preview: Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians, Match 3, IPL 2025

**Date:** Sunday, March 23, 2025 

**Venue:** MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai 

**Time:** 7:30 PM IST (2:00 PM GMT) 

**Match Context:** IPL 2025, Match 3 

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 brings its first blockbuster rivalry to the fore as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) face off against Mumbai Indians (MI) in Match 3 at the iconic Chepauk Stadium. Dubbed the “El Clasico” of the IPL, this clash between two five-time champions promises high drama and intense competition. CSK, playing at home, aim to kick off their campaign on a high after missing the playoffs in 2024, while MI, under a stand-in captain, look to overcome key absences and set the tone for their season.

—

#### Team Overview

**Chennai Super Kings (CSK):** 

CSK narrowly missed the playoffs in 2024, finishing fifth, and are eager to reclaim their dominance. Led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, they’ve retooled their squad with a spin-heavy attack suited to Chepauk’s conditions. The return of MS Dhoni, potentially in his final IPL season, adds emotional weight and finishing prowess. New additions like Noor Ahmad and Rachin Ravindra bolster their lineup, while stalwarts Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin bring experience. After a strong 7-7 record last season, CSK will bank on home advantage to outwit MI.

**Mumbai Indians (MI):** 

MI endured a torrid 2024, finishing bottom with just four wins, and face an uphill battle in their opener. Regular captain Hardik Pandya is sidelined for this game due to a slow over-rate ban from last season, with Suryakumar Yadav stepping in as skipper. Jasprit Bumrah’s injury—he’s expected to miss the early matches—further weakens their bowling. However, MI boast firepower with Rohit Sharma, Trent Boult, and new recruit Mitchell Santner, who knows Chepauk well from his CSK days. They’ll need their batting to fire to counter CSK’s spin threat.

—

#### Head-to-Head

– **Matches Played:** 37 

– **MI Wins:** 20 

– **CSK Wins:** 17 

– **Recent Form:** CSK have won the last three encounters, including a 20-run victory at Wankhede in 2024, though MI hold a 5-3 edge at Chepauk.

#### Pitch and Conditions

The MA Chidambaram Stadium pitch is renowned for assisting spinners, with turn and grip expected as the game progresses. Last season, teams batting first won 4 of 7 games here, with an average first-innings score of 163. Dew could play a role in evening matches, though new IPL rules allowing a ball change after the 10th over might mitigate its impact. Weather on March 23 is forecast to be warm and humid (around 30°C), with no rain expected, ensuring a full contest.

—

#### Probable Playing XI

**Chennai Super Kings (CSK):** 

1. Rachin Ravindra 

2. Ruturaj Gaikwad (c) 

3. Rahul Tripathi 

4. Shivam Dube 

5. Deepak Hooda 

6. Ravindra Jadeja 

7. MS Dhoni (wk) 

8. Sam Curran 

9. Ravichandran Ashwin 

10. Noor Ahmad 

11. Matheesha Pathirana 

**Impact Player:** Khaleel Ahmed 

– **Key Players:** Jadeja and Ashwin’s spin mastery, Dhoni’s finishing, and Ravindra’s flair at the top. 

– **Notes:** Conway could replace Ravindra if CSK prefer experience; Pathirana’s death bowling is crucial.

**Mumbai Indians (MI):** 

1. Rohit Sharma 

2. Ryan Rickelton (wk) 

3. Tilak Varma 

4. Suryakumar Yadav (c) 

5. Naman Dhir 

6. Robin Minz 

7. Mitchell Santner 

8. Corbin Bosch 

9. Deepak Chahar 

10. Karn Sharma 

11. Trent Boult 

**Impact Player:** Satyanarayana Raju 

– **Key Players:** Sharma’s experience, Boult’s early wickets, and Santner’s Chepauk know-how. 

– **Notes:** Bosch steps in for Pandya’s all-round role; Mujeeb Ur Rahman could feature if MI opt for extra spin.

—

#### Live Streaming and Telecast Details CSK vs MI

Catch the CSK vs MI Match 3 live around the world: 

– **India:** 

  – **TV:** Star Sports Network (Star Sports 1 SD/HD, Star Sports Select, regional channels) 

  – **Streaming:** JioCinema app and website (free) 

– **Pakistan:** 

  – **TV:** Geo Super 

  – **Streaming:** Tapmad, Tamasha app 

– **New Zealand:** 

  – **TV:** Sky Sport NZ 

  – **Streaming:** Sky Sport Now 

– **Australia:** 

  – **TV:** Fox Cricket 

  – **Streaming:** Kayo Sports 

– **United Kingdom:** 

  – **TV:** Sky Sports Cricket 

  – **Streaming:** Sky Go, NOW TV 

– **United States/Canada:** 

  – **Streaming:** Willow TV (via cable or app) 

– **Middle East & North Africa:** 

  – **TV:** beIN Sports 

  – **Streaming:** beIN Connect 

– **South Africa/Sub-Saharan Africa:** 

  – **TV:** SuperSport 

  – **Streaming:** SuperSport app 

**Live Score Updates:** 

– **Websites:** Cricbuzz, ESPNcricinfo, IPLT20.com 

– **Apps:** Cricbuzz app, ESPNcricinfo app 

—

#### Match Prediction CSK vs MI Match 2 IPL 2025

CSK hold the edge in this IPL 2025 opener. Their spin trio of Jadeja, Ashwin, and Noor Ahmad is tailor-made for Chepauk’s turning track, and Dhoni’s presence tilts the scales in tight finishes. MI’s batting, led by Sharma and Yadav, poses a threat, but the absence of Pandya and Bumrah weakens their balance. Boult could trouble CSK early, but MI’s bowling lacks the depth to contain CSK’s middle order. With a 5-1 record in their last six meetings and home advantage, CSK are favorites.

**Verdict:** Chennai Super Kings to win by 15-20 runs or 5-6 wickets.

This CSK vs MI clash sets the stage for an epic IPL 2025—don’t miss the live action!