Chennai Super Kings (CSK) narrowly missed the playoffs last season, finishing fifth in IPL 2024 with seven wins and seven losses. They were edged out by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in terms of net run rate. With a strong history of consistency and five IPL titles, CSK will look to bounce back in IPL 2025. With Hardik Pandya serving a one-match suspension, Suryakumar Yadav will captain Mumbai Indians (MI) in their IPL 2025 season opener CSK vs MI on March 23.
CSK is known for maintaining stability in their squad, but they have brought back some familiar faces this season. R Ashwin, Sam Curran, and Vijay Shankar return after several years, while Devon Conway, who missed IPL 2024 due to injury, has been re-signed.
Hardik admitted he was unaware of the full consequences at the time, as the final over was delayed by a couple of minutes. He accepted the suspension as part of the rules and expressed confidence in Suryakumar’s leadership, given his experience as India’s T20I captain. MI will also be without Jasprit Bumrah, who is recovering from a back injury and could miss multiple games.
Hardik’s Suspension and MI’s Schedule
Hardik received a one-match ban after MI’s slow, over-rate offence in their final league game of IPL 2024 against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). This was his third offence, leading to a suspension and a fine of INR 30 lakh. Hardik will return for MI’s second match against Gujarat Titans (GT) in Ahmedabad on March 29. Indian National Cricket Team players will be under the Radar for their performances.
MI will then play their first home game against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on March 31, followed by away and home fixtures against LSG (April 4) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) (April 7), respectively. Missing Hardik and Bumrah in the season opener poses a significant challenge for MI, but they will rely on experienced players to step up in their absence.
MI’s Early-Season Challenges Without Key Players
MI faces a tough start to IPL 2025 without Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah. While Hardik’s ban is a one-match setback, Bumrah’s absence due to a back injury is a bigger concern. Reports suggest Bumrah could return in early April, but MI must adjust their bowling plans.
Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership experience with India in T20Is makes him a strong alternative captain for the opener. Hardik emphasized that such rules are part of the game, and MI must strategically manage their early fixtures. After finishing last in IPL 2024 with just four wins in 14 games, MI aims for a strong comeback, starting with a competitive performance against CSK in Chennai.
Bumrah’s Absence a Challenge for MI
Mumbai Indians (MI) head coach Mahela Jayawardene acknowledged that missing Jasprit Bumrah for the initial IPL 2025 matches is a “challenge.” Bumrah, recovering from a stress-related back injury at BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, remains in “good spirits.” Jayawardene stated that MI will have to adapt by giving others opportunities.
The absence of their lead pacer forces MI to experiment with different bowling strategies in the early part of the season. Since debuting in 2013, Bumrah has been MI’s key bowler, taking 165 wickets in 133 games. The last time he missed an IPL season was in 2023 due to a back injury. Reports suggest he might return in early April, but MI must manage their bowling attack carefully until then.
MI’s Bowling Options Without Bumrah
With Bumrah unavailable, MI will rely on Trent Boult, Deepak Chahar, Reece Topley, and Corbin Bosch as frontline pacers. Captain Hardik Pandya can contribute with the ball, while uncapped bowlers Ashwani Kumar, Satyanarayana Raju, Arjun Tendulkar, and Raj Angad Bawa offer additional options. However, Boult and Chahar specialize in powerplay overs, raising concerns about death-over bowling.
MI must rethink its bowling strategy to compensate for Bumrah’s absence. As per reports, Bumrah has not fully recovered since his injury during the Sydney Test in January. MI will closely monitor his progress, aiming for his return in early April to bolster their squad. Rohit’s performance will be under close observation in the IPL 2025, and he will have to fire at the top like in CT 2025.
MI’s IPL 2025 Fixtures and Challenges Ahead
MI will begin their IPL 2025 campaign with two away games: against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on March 23 and Gujarat Titans (GT) on March 29. Their first home match is on March 31 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The schedule then sees them travel to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on April 4 before hosting Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on April 7.
Bumrah’s absence in these crucial games poses a strategic challenge, particularly in the death overs. He missed India’s Champions Trophy-winning campaign after his latest injury in January. This marks his first major injury since undergoing back surgery in 2023. If MI can manage without him initially, his expected return in April could significantly strengthen their bowling lineup.
Chennai Preparations
For a team that traditionally relies on finger spin, CSK made an interesting move by investing INR 10 crore in Afghanistan’s left-arm wrist-spinner, Noor Ahmad. He joins a formidable spin attack alongside Ravindra Jadeja and Ashwin, and Ruturaj will captain the side. In the batting order, Rahul Tripathi is expected to take the No. 3 spot, a role previously handled by Ajinkya Rahane and Robin Uthappa.
CSK has also gained a reputation as a career-reviving franchise. Players like Rahane, Uthappa, and Shivam Dube have flourished under their system, and in IPL 2025, they hope for a similar resurgence from new signings Tripathi, Vijay Shankar, Shreyas Gopal, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, and Deepak Hooda.
Spin-Focused Strategy for IPL 2025
CSK’s significant investment in spin suggests a shift back to their “spin-to-win” approach at Chepauk. In IPL 2024, pacers took 74 wickets at the venue, while spinners managed only 25. Even during the 2023 ODI World Cup, Chepauk favored pacers, but conditions may shift in IPL 2025.
With Jadeja, Ashwin, Noor, and Gopal, CSK now has various spin options. Deepak Hooda’s part-time off-spin adds to their depth. Noor’s inclusion indicates a potential role as a match-winner in spin-friendly conditions.
Key Players to Watch in IPL 2025
- MS Dhoni: Despite turning 43, Dhoni had a strike rate of 220.54 in IPL 2024, his best ever. He smashed 161 runs off 73 balls, including 14 fours and 13 sixes. Can he deliver a similar impact this season?
- Shivam Dube: Since joining CSK in 2022, Dube has a strike rate of nearly 159 against spin—the highest among 13 batters with a minimum of 30 IPL innings. He remains a crucial middle-order player.
- Khaleel Ahmed: With Deepak Chahar out, CSK sees Khaleel as a powerplay wicket-taker. In IPL 2024, he took eight powerplay wickets in 14 innings, with an economy rate 8.87.
Who’s Out, Who’s in Doubt?
CSK currently has all players available for selection. Left-arm pacer Gurjapneet Singh, who had missed the second phase of the Ranji Trophy due to injury, is now fit. However, with Curran and Khaleel as frontline left-arm seamers, it’s uncertain if he will find a place in the XI.
CSK’s mix of experience, fresh additions, and a potential return to spin-heavy tactics make them a strong contender for IPL 2025. Their campaign begins with a highly anticipated clash against Mumbai Indians on March 23.
