Five-times Champions Super Kings and Mumbai Indians will face each other in their first match and 3rd match of the IPL 2025 season. This match will commence on 23rd March at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Chennai Super Kings have retained some players from their previous squad and included new players in the team to make some strategic changes. They have a well-rounded squad with excellent spinners. Meanwhile, MI also retained the previous five players and has assembled a strong unit.

Hardik Pandya won’t play in the first game, and Jasprit Bumrah will miss the first few matches because of a back injury. People know the MA Chidambaram Stadium for its spin-friendly pitch, which shapes how teams plan their game. Based on practice matches, the field helps slower balls, making spin a big part of games at this stadium. The weather should be cloudy, with temperatures around 30°C, which is great for playing cricket.

Chennai Super Kings

The synchronization between CSK’s senior players and young talents was instrumental in implementing their strategies and playing their best games. Key players not only play but they stand out in performance. The Thrilling Chase CSK’s victory against Mumbai Indians was one of the most interesting matches and their win was one for the history books, with one of the player’s unbeaten century leading the chase under pressure. The squad had a bone-thrilling clash among the teammates with proper strategic game-off, teamwork, and amazing leadership qualities.

With a strong Opening Partnership of Rituraj Gaikwad and Devon Conway, it can be proved one of the strength of the CSK squad. The death over bowling looks well sorted for CSK and we might see something in the IPL 2025 which is something unusual from them in the tournament. Noor Ahmad, Matheesha Pathirana, and Khaleel Ahmed did a brilliant job in the death overs in IPL 2023 and that makes them a usable option in the phase, one of CSK’s strengths would be their death bowling.

The middle-over batting looks strong for CSK. The batters who have substantial numbers and will most probably bat in the middle-overs and death-overs for CSK in IPL 2025 add to the strength of the team.

Probable Playing XI

1. Devon Conway 
2. Ruturaj Gaikwad (C)
3. Rahul Tripathi
4. Shivam Dube
5. Sam Curran
6. Ravindra Jadeja 
7. MS Dhoni
8. Ravichandran Ashwin 
9. Noor Ahmad
10. Matheesha Pathirana 
11. Khaleel Ahmed
12. Deepak Hooda (Impact Player)

Key Players to watch

1. Rururaj Gaikwad

Ruturaj Gaikwad also the leader of Chennai Super Kings has immense responsibility for guiding the team. He is known for his elegant stroke and calm demeanor. He is a dependable opener who can adjust to any situation if needed.

2. MS Dhoni

A living legend in cricket, Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s sharp brain and finishing abilities remain unmatched to date. Even now he continues to be a game-changer with his tactical and critical thinking

3. Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja is an all-rounder who’s an expert in both batting and bowling. Jadeja’s explosive batting and precision in bowling prove to be one of the strengths of the squad.

4. Devon Conway

Devon Conway can adapt which makes him a vital player for Chennai Super Kings, His ability to take on bowers in the powerplay can provide the team with strong starts.

Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians play at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, won the 2011 Champions League Twenty20 by 31 runs against Royal Challengers Bangalore. In the final of the tournament in 2013, they defeated Chennai Super Kings by 23 runs to clinch their first IPL title. They won the second one on 24 May 2015, defeating Chennai Super Kings by 41 runs in the final.

With a blend of seasoned dominators and potential newcomers, MI seems geared up for their 6(THE IPl) by virtue of a loyal fan base that is keen to see its team on top lifting the trophy once again. With a strong core of experience including Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah, MI makes sure to bring in new emerging talents to win upcoming matches.

Probable Playing XI

1. Rohit Sharma
2. Ryan Rickelton (wk)
3. Suryakumar Yadav (c) 
4. Tilak Varma 
5. Will Jacks
6. Naman Dhir
7. Raj Angad Bawa 
8. Mitchell Santner 
9. Karn Sharma
10. Deepak Chahar 
11. Trent Boult
12. Robin Minz (Impact Player)

Key Players to Watch

1. Tilak Verma

Tilak Varma emerged from Hyderabad India to impress all cricket fans worldwide through his remarkable skills and consistent hard work. The Mumbai Indians team selected him at auction in 2022 for INR 1.70 crore. The team leader picked him as a valuable member because of his positive results. The year 2023 marked when Tilak first joined the West Indies national team for T20 International matches and scored two powerful home runs off his initial three deliveries.

2. Mitchell Santner

New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner brings outstanding cricketers skills as an all-rounder player in national and international cricket tournaments. Santner established himself as an important team member worldwide through his effective left-arm bowling and earned his spot on New Zealand’s international teams in multiple formats. Santner first represented the New Zealand ODI team in competition with England then started his cricket career in Test matches against Australia during the same year in 2015. Santner entered the IPL in 2018 through team associations with both Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings.

Mitchell Santner stands out as a highly valuable IPL asset because of his effective spin bowling on any pitch plus his premium price and dependable performance. Santner demonstrates superior bowling skills than his precise shooting because he finds and gets rid of runs very efficiently making him a threat against spin-friendly grounds everywhere. He proves to be a steady batsman through his role of delivering critical performances.

3. Trent Boult

Trent Boult is a famed fast-medium left-arm bowler of New Zealand and is some of the finest swing bowlers around, earning accolades for winning games across formats. Boult is known for his accuracy and adaptation with changing conditions. Boult stocks up leading T20 leagues around the world, including the IPL, where he has been an integral part of the Mumbai Indians.