Chennai’s Steady Nerves Trump Mumbai’s Early Turmoil
Mumbai Indians just can’t catch a break when it comes to IPL openers. The 2025 season started much like the last dozen for them—with a loss, their 13th in a row in the first game of an IPL campaign. This time it was the Chennai Super Kings who welcomed Mumbai to Chepauk and showed no mercy, snatching a 4-wicket win in an intense finish that kept fans guessing until the final overs.
The match began with Mumbai batting first, and right from the start things felt shaky for the five-time champs. Rohit Sharma, often their batting anchor, fell for a duck in the very first over. Ryan Rickelton tried to get things going with a quick 21 but soon edged one to slip. Within the powerplay, Mumbai was two down and the mood in the dugout was tense. By the 10th over, the scoreboard read a wobbly 95/5. Suryakumar Yadav, once their go-to for stability, couldn’t steady the ship this time and was clean bowled for just 7. Newcomer Robin Minz also failed to impress, leaving Mumbai with another hole in the middle order.
Just as the first innings was spiraling, Deepak Chahar, usually known for swinging the new ball instead of the bat, went on the counterattack. Smashing 28 off only 15 balls, Chahar gave Mumbai a late but vital burst, dragging the total to 155/9 after 20 overs. It was hardly a mountain, but against a deep Chennai lineup in their home fortress, those extra runs felt essential.
Rachin Ravindra and Ruturaj Gaikwad Lead the Chase
Chennai’s reply was all about measured aggression. Rachin Ravindra, who CSK picked up for his ability to absorb pressure and find boundaries, showed precisely why he’s becoming a fan favorite. He played the innings of the night, hammering an unbeaten 65 off 45 balls, including 4 monster sixes that silenced the Mumbai supporters in the crowd.
At the other end, Ruturaj Gaikwad dazzled early, scoring a rapid 53 from just 26 balls. His six boundaries in the powerplay made the difference, tilting the chase towards CSK. But just as the finish line looked close, Mumbai clawed back. Vignesh Puthur, Mumbai’s find in pace bowling, bowled an inspired spell, taking 3 for 15 and pegging CSK back in the middle overs. When Ravindra Jadeja was run out in a mix-up in the 18th over, some nerves started to show in the CSK camp.
Enter MS Dhoni. The crowd erupted as the veteran strolled in needing to steady the ship. Dhoni’s quick scoring and calmness under pressure meshed perfectly with Ravindra, who saw the chase through. CSK eventually crossed the finish line at 158/6 with five balls to spare, showing once again why their calmness in tense situations is legendary.
This game didn’t just underline CSK vs MI as one of cricket’s biggest rivalries—it also put Mumbai’s opening match curse in the limelight. With new faces and old problems, Mumbai will need to regroup quickly if they want to end their opening day hoodoo next season. Meanwhile, Chennai has started the season right on track, setting the tone for what looks like another hard-fought IPL campaign.