The stage is set for yet another high-voltage clash between IPL’s two most decorated teams — Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) — as they lock horns at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. This encounter is a rematch of the season opener, where CSK edged past MI in a last-over thriller, thanks to standout performances from Rachin Ravindra, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Noor Ahmad.
Dew and humidity are expected to play a role again, making the toss crucial. With batting conditions likely to improve under lights, the team winning the toss may opt to chase. The previous game at Wankhede saw batters struggle on a slow surface, but a fresh pitch could mean runs galore this time around.
MI’s season has been a roller coaster. After opening losses to CSK and Gujarat Titans, they secured a win over KKR but stumbled again before notching up victories against Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad. With just three wins from seven games, MI are desperate to overturn their five-match losing streak against CSK.
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Meanwhile, CSK’s campaign also hit turbulence. After a bright start, they suffered five straight defeats. MS Dhoni has returned as captain following Gaikwad’s injury, and the team finally broke the losing run with a morale-boosting win over Lucknow Super Giants.
Historically, MI and CSK have faced off 38 times in the IPL, with MI leading the head-to-head 20-18. At Wankhede, MI have won seven of 12 matches against CSK. With both franchises tied at five IPL titles each, this fixture remains one of the fiercest rivalries in T20 cricket, with points, pride, and playoffs on the line.
#1 Rachin Ravindra vs Trent Boult
A mini New Zealand derby within the larger MI-CSK battle. Boult, known for his lethal swing with the new ball, has a reputation for early breakthroughs. Rachin, who has shown promising form this season, will need to weather the storm and counter Boult’s inswingers early to give CSK a steady start.
#2 Suryakumar Yadav vs Noor Ahmad
SKY has been in sublime form, topping MI’s run charts and sitting fourth in the overall IPL 2025 leaderboard. His innovative strokeplay makes him a tough customer, but Noor Ahmad has already cracked the code once this season, dismissing him with a beauty that led to a sharp stumping. The Afghan spinner, currently the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, will be eyeing a repeat performance.
#3 MS Dhoni vs Jasprit Bumrah
It’s experience vs execution in a high-pressure death-over scenario. Dhoni rolled back the years in his previous outing, smashing an unbeaten 26 off 11 balls. However, Bumrah is coming off an economical spell, giving away just 21 runs in four overs against SRH. With the match on the line, this duel could be a game-changer. If Dhoni’s bat fires and Bumrah’s toe-crushers clash, Wankhede is in for a thrilling finish.
