CSK Win Toss, Opt to Bowl First in El Clasico! Dhoni's Return Sets Epic Stage
CSK vs MI, IPL 2025: Dhoni’s Return Sets Stage for Chepauk Epic
The M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai is buzzing with anticipation as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) prepare to face Mumbai Indians (MI) in the third match of IPL 2025. Dubbed the "El Clasico" of the IPL, this clash between two five-time champions is the league stage’s biggest fixture, with MS Dhoni’s return after a year-long absence stealing the headlines. The Chepauk faithful are ready to roar for their Thala.
At the toss, CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad elected to bowl first, a decision hinting at leveraging dew and a spin-heavy attack featuring Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, and Noor Ahmad on a Chepauk pitch known to assist slow bowlers. MI’s stand-in skipper Suryakumar Yadav, filling in for the banned Hardik Pandya, revealed they’d have batted first anyway, confident in a batting lineup led by Rohit Sharma despite Jasprit Bumrah’s injury blow. A toss where both captains smiled.
CSK face challenges, though. Matheesha Pathirana’s niggle rules him out, and Devon Conway’s absence sees Rachin Ravindra opening with Gaikwad. Deepak Hooda slots in at No. 3, joining a middle order of Dube, Dhoni, and Curran, primed for a chase.
As the 7:30 PM IST start nears, the stakes are high. CSK hold a recent edge (5 wins in their last 6 against MI), but MI’s firepower remains lethal. With Dhoni back and rivalries reignited, this IPL 2025 opener promises a classic showdown. The stage is set—let the battle begin.
