MI vs CSK, 3rd Match at Chennai, IPL, Mar 23 2025 - Match Result

That's all we have from this El Clasico to wrap up the opening weekend of IPL 2025. First was the run-fest in Hyderabad, and then this low-scoring slightly tense game at Chepauk. MI have lots to do before the next weekend as they fly to Ahmedabad now, while CSK will be thrilled about their new recruits winning them the match tonight. Sid Monga's report is here already in case you had plans this Sunday and missed the action. And on that note, it's goodbye from me, Vishal Dikshit, and Ekanth. Join us again tomorrow, for DC vs LSG. Ciao ciao! If you're in India, I leave you all with this stunning Dhoni stumping from earlier today...

Ruturaj Gaikwad: Right after I got out (it might have been tense). There are matches that get close sometimes but happy to be on the winning side. Me batting at No. 3 is the requirement for the team, gives our new team balance and Rahul Tripathi can be aggressive at the top while I can play both sides of the game. Our spinners were right on the mark, we were really excited about them bowling in tandem at Chepauk after the auction. Khaleel has been doing well for the last 2-3 years, he's experienced. Noor is an X-factor and good to have him in the team. Dhoni is still the same, he's fitter this year and hitting more sixes in the nets this year.

Noor Ahmad is the Player of the Match: Feels great to play around the world but special to play for CSK. Sometimes I thought they weren't picking me but I was focusing on my bowling. My favourite was Surya's wicket, Mahi bhai's stumping was so electric. It's great to have Mahi bhai behind the stumps.

11.06pm The crowd can't complain that they didn't get to see Dhoni bat, although they didn't see him score tonight, having waited for this day after a year. CSK start IPL 2025 with a victory which looked a little nervy in the middle, but they were right on top when they kept MI to 155 with the help of their spinners. Remember, this means MI have not won their first match of an IPL season since 2012 now, a record that continues to haunt them. The players start to shake hands, one by one and here come Dhoni and Vignesh Puthur face to face. The 23-year-old can't believe he's shaking hands with this legend, he's just smiling ear to ear and not able to utter a word. Dhoni finally breaks the ice and gives him a few pats on the back, probably praising him for his fearless IPL debut today. Finally Puthur says something but Dhoni can't hear it because of the crowd and finally brings his ear close to the young guy to hear him.

11.20pm Time flies and all that but MI's batting made it look like it's still IPL 2024 going on. They were without their regular captain Hardik Pandya today, Bumrah is still not available and they'll hope they get things back on track soon. Their next game is also on the road, against GT in Ahmedabad before they head home whereas CSK take on RCB next at home on Friday. Can't say CSK were clinical today, but their spin bowling surely was. Noor Ahmad is their latest weapon in that department; will it make MI think if they should have played Mujeeb tonight?

Suryakumar Yadav: We were actually 15-20 runs short but the fight the boys showed was commendable. Amazing (debut from Vignesh Puthur). MI is known for that, scouring youngsters 10 months a year and they've done that, he has a bright future ahead. I kept his one over in the end in my pocket in case the game went far but it was a no-brainer in the end. There was no dew but it was a pretty sticky, Ruturaj batted very well in the second innings.

Rachin Ravindra: Mumbai made it really difficult for us, they changed the pace nicely in the middle. Chokes us in the middle over and made it difficult for us. The Chepauk wicket is definitely tricky at times, you don't know what to expect. Rutu is amazing, struck at 200 without really trying, great batsmanship. It (the bump on the head he suffered in Pakistan) has been alright, hopefully it doesn't happen again. The pitch was definitely holding a fraction, wasn't turning a mile but their lengths made it difficult of runs.

Santner for the last

SKY is struggling with something there, seems like an issue with his left leg. But nothing serious

Will it be a six now?

The crowd is loving it though because it's MS Dhoni wielding his bat, waiting beyond the rope to walk in. Just waiting for the confirmation which batter is out. Deafening noise now, absolutely raucous. if yellow has a sound, this is it

The fans in yellow have started to get on their feet, including Ashwin's wife

Just six from 12 now

Did MI make a mistake by holding back Puthur's last over for the end?

21 from 18, Rohit is biting his nails in the dugout. Vignesh Puthur for his last

26 off 22, lots of pressure off CSK

Ravindra has been struggling to time the ball today

Right, here's Boult first to his compatriot Ravindra

Six singles done, 31 to get from 24 and CSK need boundaries. Why does this feel like this is going to the last over? It's the last time out for the day. the big question is which fast bowler will MI bowl in the death? Boult and Chahar are not known for death bowling, Raju is inexperienced and could be bowling to a senior pro like Jadeja or Dhoni. Will Santner get a go if a right-hander comes out? But he has leaked 18 in two overs. This is building up nicely

Mani_chillpill: "Dont Under estimate Sky's captaincy in a spinning pitch and tricky chase. He once won a match by bowling himself and Rinku in last two overs!"