CSK vs MI: Chennai Rain Delay? IPL 2025 Pitch

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians to play the first ‘El Clasico’ of IPL 2025.
Chennai’s Chepauk pitch is expected to favor spinners.
There is a chance of rain in Chennai on Sunday, March 23.
Mumbai Indians haven’t won their opening IPL match since 2013.
CSK made smart buys in the auction, while MI maintained their Indian core.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

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The stage is set for the IPL El Clasico as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) prepare to face off in the first encounter of IPL 2025. Scheduled for Sunday, March 23, this match between these arch-rivals, each boasting five IPL titles over the past 17 seasons, promises high stakes and intense competition. The CSK vs MI rivalry is a cornerstone of the IPL.

Both CSK and MI enter IPL 2025 aiming to rectify the shortcomings of the previous campaign, where neither team qualified for the playoffs. Chennai narrowly missed out on a top-four spot after a loss in their final league game, while MI finished at the bottom of the table. Expectations are consistently high for both franchises, with fans anticipating a title challenge every season.

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CSK strategically bolstered their squad in the auction, adhering to their established team-building philosophy. MI opted for a reshuffle, retaining their core Indian players. However, the match at Chepauk will be without two key players: Jasprit Bumrah, who is still recovering from a back injury, and Hardik Pandya, who is serving a one-match ban.

Adding to the intrigue is the fact that MI has not secured a victory in their opening match of an IPL season since 2013. This historical trend intensifies the anticipation surrounding this fixture, regarded as a headline event in every IPL season.

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CSK vs MI, IPL 2025: Chepauk Pitch Report

The pitch at Chepauk is anticipated to be slow-paced and conducive to spin bowling. This characteristic is expected to persist throughout the IPL 2025 season, potentially prompting both teams to prioritize spinners in their lineups. CSK may deploy a spin trio of Noor Ahmad, R Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja against MI. Historically, teams batting first have won 49 out of 85 matches played at Chepauk.

CSK vs MI, IPL 2025: Chennai Weather Report

The typical Chennai summer weather is expected: hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 26 to 33 degrees Celsius. On Sunday, there is a forecast of showers between 1 and 3 pm, but conditions are expected to clear up by the evening.

Despite this, a 23 percent precipitation level at 6 pm suggests a possible delayed start to the proceedings, especially with an opening ceremony planned. Although partly cloudy conditions are expected as the night progresses, the expectation is for a full game in Chennai without significant weather interruptions.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

CSK and MI will face off in the first ‘El Clasico’ of IPL 2025 on March 23.
The Chepauk pitch in Chennai is expected to favor spin bowlers.
There’s a possibility of rain in Chennai that may delay the start of the match.
Mumbai Indians have not won their opening IPL match since 2013.
Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya will miss the match due to injury and ban, respectively.