The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 kicks off with a blockbuster clash tomorrow as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) face arch-rivals Mumbai Indians (MI) in the season’s first El Clasico at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

With the odds tilted in CSK’s favor, the absence of MI’s spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and captain Hardik Pandya has cast a shadow over the five-time champions’ prospects, setting the stage for a thrilling opener on March 23.

CSK, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, enter the match buoyed by their formidable home record at Chepauk and a well-balanced squad. Veterans like MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja blend seamlessly with emerging stars such as Shivam Dube and Matheesha Pathirana, giving the Yellow Army depth in both batting and bowling.

The spin-friendly Chennai pitch is expected to favor CSK’s tweakers, including Ravichandran Ashwin, making them a tough proposition for MI’s depleted lineup.

Mumbai Indians, meanwhile, face an uphill battle. Hardik Pandya’s one-match suspension—carried over from an over-rate violation in IPL 2024—means Suryakumar Yadav will likely take the reins. The bigger blow, however, is Bumrah’s reported injury, sidelining MI’s pace ace and weakening their bowling attack.

Despite boasting firepower with Rohit Sharma, Tilak Varma, and Trent Boult, MI’s lack of cohesion without their key players could prove costly against a settled CSK side.

Historically, MI lead the head-to-head 20-17, but CSK’s recent dominance—winning five of the last eight encounters—adds intrigue. With home advantage and MI’s vulnerabilities, Chennai start as clear favorites in this high-stakes rivalry clash.