IPL 2025 Live: Spin-heavy CSK face MI in their season opener

Suryakumar Yadav was all relaxed, had a nice laugh when MS Dhoni was referred to as an "uncapped player" and looked upbeat for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). This edition carries an additional layer of significance for Surya who hasn't had the best of times with the bat since taking over T20I captaincy from Rohit Sharma after the World Cup last year. India operated without fear and have had a splendid run under new head coach Gautam Gambhir in the bilaterals which followed but the spunk has been missing from Surya's blade.

Fifteen outings as a captain have yielded a meagre 258 runs and struggles continued in the domestic circuit for Mumbai too. The bat which once breathed fire has been ice cool for a very long time and the IPL presents an opportunity to get back amongst the runs. The right-hander enjoyed a lot of success at No. 3 but has himself pushed down the order to accommodate Tilak Varma who has been in red hot form. While the move paid rich dividends for the young left-hander, Surya's batting stock has been on a bear run since then.

Suryakumar Yadav, the stand-in captain of Mumbai Indians, hinted at a flexible batting order ahead of their IPL opener. Known for sacrificing his number three position for young Tilak Varma in the national team, Surya expressed that flexibility will be key this season.

He said, "You might see guys being flexible during this season. Everyone is flexible. Even I can bat at 3 or 5, and Tilak can also bat at 5. It’s that flexibility we have in our team."

Surya further explained that promoting Tilak in the Indian team was a thoughtful decision based on the youngster's hard work and potential impact at the top. Despite being open to adapting his position, Surya emphasized that his batting approach remains consistent regardless of the number he bats at.

In a moment that melted hearts and transcended team rivalries, Hardik Pandya and MS Dhoni shared a warm, heartfelt hug during a training session ahead of the blockbuster IPL 2025 clash between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk.

As cameras zoomed in, the sight of the former India captain and the current T20I star embracing was more than just a photo-op. In all, it was a gesture soaked in mutual respect, brotherhood, and years of shared cricketing history.

Dhoni, a legend whose calm leadership defined an era, and Pandya, once his protégé and now a leader himself, stood in a quiet moment of camaraderie before the storm of "El Clasico" -- the most celebrated rivalry in IPL history.

Both teams have some intriguing X-factors that could make the difference in the high-voltage clash. For CSK, the experienced Mitchell Santner—a former MI player—could prove to be an asset with his understanding of Chepauk’s conditions. Adding to the spin contingent are Karn Sharma and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, both of whom have the ability to rattle opposition batters with their variations.

Meanwhile, MI’s inclusion of Corbin Bosch adds an element of surprise to their bowling unit, and it will be interesting to see how the think tank utilizes his pace and bounce on the Chepauk surface.

Sunday’s clash will also give a first glimpse of how the new ball-change rule in the second innings impacts the game. With spin playing a central role at Chepauk, any change in ball condition could significantly alter the dynamics, especially in the latter half of the game.

All eyes will be on the iconic battle between two of the most successful IPL franchises as CSK and MI lock horns once again. With spin in focus and big names missing on both sides, the contest promises to be a captivating opener for IPL 2025.

Mumbai Indians, on the other hand, face a different set of challenges. The most glaring of these is the absence of India’s bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who remains on the comeback trail from a persistent back injury. Bumrah’s ability to bowl at the death has been irreplaceable for MI, and the team management will have to rely on a mix of veterans like Trent Boult, Deepak Chahar, and Reece Topley to fill the void.

Adding to their woes is the absence of regular skipper Hardik Pandya, who is serving a one-match ban due to a slow over-rate in last season’s final league game. Stepping up as captain for the tournament opener will be India’s T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who will look to inspire his side with his aggressive approach and intent.

MI’s batting lineup has undergone changes as well. The exit of Ishan Kishan leaves a void at the top, but they have secured the explosive South African wicketkeeper Ryan Rickelton to partner with Rohit Sharma. The middle order looks solid with Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma, but the pressure will be on them to deliver without their usual star power.

As CSK prepare to open their IPL 2025 campaign, one man remains the cynosure of all eyes — MS Dhoni. Ever since the inception of the IPL in 2008, Dhoni has been synonymous with CSK's brand of cricket. His leadership, calm demeanor, and tactical acumen make him the driving force behind the team’s success.

Despite being in the twilight of his career, Dhoni's presence brings a sense of assurance to the squad. Alongside him, the top order is expected to feature one of the two Kiwi openers—Rachin Ravindra or Devon Conway — partnering skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad. The middle order, loaded with firepower from Rahul Tripathi, Shivam Dube, Deepak Hooda, and Vijay Shankar, ensures depth and flexibility.

CSK's recent dominance over MI, winning four of their last five encounters — including three straight victories — further bolsters their confidence heading into the clash.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will once again look to lean on their formidable spin strength when they take on Mumbai Indians (MI) in their IPL 2025 opener at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk) on Sunday. Known for its spin-friendly conditions, Chepauk has been a fortress for CSK over the years, and the franchise has further bolstered its spin arsenal with strategic moves in the IPL mega auction last year.

Five-time champions CSK added experienced spinners like Ravichandran Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, Shreyas Gopal, and Deepak Hooda to their squad, complementing the presence of India veteran Ravindra Jadeja. With these spin wizards at their disposal, CSK aims to choke MI’s batting lineup, especially in the middle overs.

The pre-season strategy highlights the importance of spin for CSK’s game plan. Starting the season against their arch-rivals MI, who have had their own share of struggles with spin, CSK’s approach could set the tone for their campaign.