The Mumbai Indians (MI) are set to lock horns with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the third match of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL), scheduled at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium.
MI enters the contest without their usual skipper, Hardik Pandya, who is sidelined for this game due to a one-match ban stemming from a prior over-rate violation in last season’s IPL. Stepping into the leadership role is Suryakumar Yadav. The team also faces a setback with star pacer Jasprit Bumrah unavailable for the initial matches, still nursing a back injury.
Speaking ahead of the game, Suryakumar highlighted MI’s strategy to adapt on the fly. At the pre-match press conference, he underscored the team’s versatility, noting that he and Tilak Varma are prepared to shuffle their batting positions as needed. “I aim to maintain my approach and seize any chance to make an impact, just like Tilak does. This season, you’ll see a lot of flexibility—whether it’s me batting at 3 or 5, or Tilak at 5. That adaptability is our strength,” he told reporters.
Meanwhile, CSK is determined to recover from last year’s disappointment, having missed the playoffs. Their lineup looks largely settled, though they face a choice at the top of the order alongside captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. While Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra are both options, Ravindra’s current form gives him the edge.
CSK’s middle order, featuring Rahul Tripathi, Deepak Hooda, Shivam Dube, and Vijay Shankar, promises firepower, while spinners Noor Ahmed and R. Ashwin could exploit the spin-friendly Chepauk surface.
Predicted Playing XI for CSK vs MI
Chennai Super Kings: Rachin Ravindra, Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Rahul Tripathi, Shivam Dube, Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (wk), R. Ashwin, Matheesha Pathirana, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed
Impact Sub: Deepak Hooda/Vijay Shankar
Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Will Jacks, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Naman Dhir, Karn Sharma, Robin Minz, Mitchell Santner, Trent Boult, Deepak Chahar
Impact Sub: Raj Angad Bawa/Arjun Tendulkar