Two of the most successful franchises in IPL history, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI), are set to face off in Match 3 of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) on Sunday, March 23, at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium. 

This will mark the second season with Ruturaj Gaikwad and Hardik Pandya leading their respective teams. However, Pandya will miss MI’s opening game, serving a one-match suspension due to an over-rate violation in IPL 2024. In his absence, Suryakumar Yadav will step in as the interim captain.

Last season, CSK and MI had contrasting campaigns, finishing fifth and tenth, respectively. Both teams made strategic investments in the mega auction, aiming for a strong comeback in IPL 2025.

Weather Conditions

The weather during the game is expected to be clear but humid. According to AccuWeather, the temperature will peak at around 29°C, with minimal chances of rain, ensuring uninterrupted play.

Pitch Report – MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai

Traditionally known for assisting spinners, the pitch at Chepauk has evolved into a batting-friendly surface over the last few seasons. Batters are likely to enjoy their time in the middle, while bowlers who can vary their pace and bowl yorkers could be effective, along with spinners benefiting from any turn on offer.

Chasing Record at MA Chidambaram Stadium

In IPL 2024, a total of nine matches were played at this venue, with six of them won by the chasing team. This trend suggests that the captain winning the toss might opt to field first, banking on the advantage of chasing under lights. 

Key Players to Watch

Devon Conway (CSK)

A proven run-scorer with solid experience in Chennai, particularly strong against spin. Has amassed 390 runs in eight innings at the venue, averaging 65 with a strike rate of 133.10, including three fifties.

Will face a key battle against Trent Boult, who has dismissed him twice in 35 balls. Recent scores: 30, 21, 20, 9, 76*.

Sam Curran (CSK)

• Has scored 55 runs and taken one wicket in three innings in Chennai. Struggles against Mitchell Santner, who has dismissed him twice in six balls. Performance in IPL 2024 vs Right-Handed Batters (RHBs): 10 wickets, 32.30 average, 11.13 economy rate.

Performance in IPL 2024 vs Left-Handed Batters (LHBs): six wickets, 15.50 average, 7.75 economy rate. His Recent scores and bowling figures : 62*, 34*, 24, 28, 16 are 1/42, 0/38, 0/44, 0/19, 3/28.

Noor Ahmad (CSK)

A dangerous spinner who can thrive in Chennai’s spin-friendly conditions. Performance in IPL 2024 vs RHBs: five wickets, 41.80 average, 7.93 economy rate.

Performance in IPL 2024 vs LHBs: three wickets, 27 average, 9.52 economy rate. Last five bowling figures: 3/25, 0/25, 1/28, 1/30, 1/7.

Tilak Varma (MI)

Has a strong record in Chennai with 98 runs in two innings, including a fifty. Faces a tricky matchup against Khaleel Ahmed, who has dismissed him twice in 10 balls. Recent scores: 24, 0, 18, 72*, 19*.

Mitchell Santner (MI)

Although he had limited opportunities with CSK, he is well-acquainted with Chennai’s conditions. Has taken three wickets in three innings at the venue, averaging 20. Last five bowling figures: 2/29, 0/31, 1/32, 1/36, 2/22.

Trent Boult (MI)

A lethal new-ball bowler who can generate early movement and breakthroughs. Has claimed 10 wickets in nine innings at Chennai, averaging 28.40 with a strike rate of 19.60.

Performance in IPL 2024 vs RHBs: 10 wickets, 25.30 average, 8.34 economy rate. Performance in IPL 2024 vs LHBs: six wickets, 31.66 average, 8.26 economy rate. Last five bowling figures: 2/9, 2/38, 1/43, 1/25, 1/16.

Captain & Vice Captain Picks 

Ruturaj Gaikwad (CSK)

A prolific run-scorer at Chennai, amassing 706 runs in 15 innings at an impressive average of 58.83 and a strike rate of 139.80. Has registered five fifties and a century at this venue.

Struggles against Trent Boult, who has dismissed him three times in 26 balls, with a low strike rate of 88.46. Recent scores: 97, 2*, 4, 19, 1.

Ravindra Jadeja (CSK)

A valuable all-rounder, expected to play a crucial role with both bat and ball. Has scored 436 runs in 35 innings at Chennai at a strike rate of 121.44.

More impactful with the ball, having taken 34 wickets in 44 innings, averaging 25.82 with a strike rate of 22.94. Bowling performance in IPL 2024: vs RHBs: five wickets vs LHBs: three wickets.

Suryakumar Yadav (MI)

• Has a solid record in Chennai with 359 runs in 12 innings, averaging 35.90 at a strike rate of 131.98, including two fifties. Needs to be cautious against Ravindra Jadeja, who has dismissed him four times in 62 balls.
• Also has a tricky battle against Matheesha Pathirana and Sam Curran, who have removed him three times each. Recent scores: 2, 0, 14, 12, 0.

The MA Chidambaram Stadium pitch is expected to be batter-friendly, but spinners could play a crucial role as the game progresses. Given the recent trend at this venue, the team chasing might have an advantage.

Fantasy Team Strategy:

✅ Prioritize batters from the chasing team for better point potential.
✅ Spinners could be game-changers, so pick key spin options.
✅ CSK has the edge, considering their strong record at Chennai and MI missing Hardik Pandya.

Prediction:

📌 CSK is backed to win this high-stakes clash.