Noor, Ravindra, Gaikwad get CSK off to winning start 2025 best
CSK Triumphs Over MI: Noor, Gaikwad, and Ravindra Shine in IPL 2025 Opener
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) got off to a flying start in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 with a thrilling four-wicket victory over the Mumbai Indians (MI) at the M.A. Noor, Ravindra, Gaikwad get CSK off to winning start 2025 best Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. This high-octane clash featured remarkable performances from CSK’s spin sensation Noor Ahmad, skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, and New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra, ensuring a dream start for the defending champions.
Mumbai Indians’ Innings: Struggles Against Spin
Winning the toss, MI captain Hardik Pandya opted to bat first, hoping to set a competitive total. Noor, Ravindra, Gaikwad get CSK off to winning start 2025 best However, the decision backfired as CSK’s spinners, led by Noor Ahmad, dismantled the batting order.
Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan provided MI with a steady start, putting up a 48-run partnership in the powerplay. Sharma, known for his impeccable stroke play, looked in fine touch, hitting three boundaries and a six before falling to Deepak Chahar in the seventh over.
Kishan followed soon after, misjudging a delivery from Ravindra Jadeja, getting trapped leg-before for 32. From there, MI’s middle order struggled to cope with the turn and bounce at Chepauk.
Noor Ahmad, making his CSK debut, was the star of the show with the ball. The Afghan left-arm spinner wreaked havoc, taking 4 wickets for just 18 runs in his four-over spell. Noor, Ravindra, Gaikwad get CSK off to winning start 2025 best He dismissed Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Tim David, and Gerald Coetzee, breaking the backbone of MI’s batting.
With wickets falling regularly, captain Hardik Pandya attempted to stabilize the innings with a quickfire 29 off 19 balls, but he, too, perished while trying to up the scoring rate. MI could only manage 155/9 in their allotted 20 overs.
Top Performers for MI:
- Ishan Kishan – 32 (27)
- Hardik Pandya – 29 (19)
- Rohit Sharma – 26 (21)
- Noor Ahmad (CSK) – 4/18
- Jadeja (CSK) – 2/30
CSK’s Chase: Gaikwad and Ravindra Dominate
Chasing 156 on a tricky surface, CSK got off to a blazing start, courtesy of skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad. The opener played aggressively from the get-go, punishing MI’s pace attack.
Jasprit Bumrah and Jason Behrendorff struggled to contain Gaikwad, who smashed six fours and three sixes in his 22-ball 53. His fearless approach put CSK in command, Noor, Ravindra, Gaikwad get CSK off to winning start 2025 best but he fell immediately after reaching his fifty, holing out to long-off against Piyush Chawla.
Shivam Dube and MS Dhoni failed to capitalize, departing in quick succession. However, Rachin Ravindra played a mature innings, anchoring CSK’s chase. Noor, Ravindra, Gaikwad get CSK off to winning start 2025 best The left-hander mixed caution with aggression, ensuring CSK didn’t crumble under pressure.
Ravindra remained unbeaten on 65, finishing the game with a well-timed boundary off Bumrah in the 19th over. His innings included seven fours and two sixes, showcasing his versatility as a batter.
CSK reached 159/6 in 18.5 overs, sealing a comfortable win.
Top Performers for CSK:
- Ruturaj Gaikwad – 53 (22)
- Rachin Ravindra – 65* (44)
- Jasprit Bumrah (MI) – 2/28
- Piyush Chawla (MI) – 2/33
Key Takeaways from the Match
- Noor Ahmad’s Impact – The Afghan spinner emerged as CSK’s X-factor, proving that his inclusion in the squad was a masterstroke.
- Gaikwad’s Captaincy – His aggressive intent at the top helped CSK dominate the chase early on.
- MI’s Batting Woes – Despite a strong top order, Mumbai lacked firepower in the middle overs.
- Rachin Ravindra’s All-Round Prowess – His unbeaten knock showed his potential as a dependable middle-order batter.
CSK’s dominant performance against MI not only gave them a winning start to IPL 2025 but also reinforced their status as strong contenders for the title. Noor, Ravindra, Gaikwad get CSK off to winning start 2025 best The combination of experienced campaigners and young talents like Noor Ahmad makes them a formidable unit in this year’s tournament.
With this win, CSK will look to carry their momentum forward, while MI will need to reassess their batting approach before their next encounter. Noor, Ravindra, Gaikwad get CSK off to winning start 2025 best The IPL 2025 season has just begun, and if this match was any indication, fans are in for a thrilling ride!
